Safe Environment

The Catholic Church Is Committed to the Safety of Children.

The prevention of child/adolescent/vulnerable adult sexual abuse and all other forms of abuse are priority in the Catholic Church and here at St. Patrick's Parish.

  • To maintain a safe environment, we participate in the Grand Island Diocesan Safe Environment Program.
    Adult Training
    The Catholic Diocese of Grand Island uses CMG Connect, a safe environment on-line training program developed by the Catholic Mutual Group (CMG). The training consists of 3 videos, a set of review questions for each video, a review of the policy, code of conduct, and an integrated background screen through Selection.com. This company also does a quarterly background check watch and alerts the Diocese to any changes in an individual's background.
    This Safe Environment training takes about 60 minutes and must be completed in one sitting.
    As part of the Safe Environment Program, before beginning ministry, all employees, religious communities and clergy (bishops, priests (diocesan, religious, visiting and international), deacons and seminarians) and volunteers (concerning their contact with minors) must complete safe environment training and a criminal background check.
    When a priest, religious or deacon, not incardinated in our diocese, is to engage in ministry in our diocese, the evaluation of his background check/training must be satisfied through a written attestation of suitability for ministry supplied by his proper/major superior to the diocese.  Safe Environment training and background checks must be updated every five years.
    All Staff and Volunteers with direct contact with children are required to:
  • Certification -All Staff and volunteers with direct contact with children must receive a certification
  • Background Check
  • Education about the prevention of child/adolescent physical and sexual abuse is received
  • Continuing education about safety-related issues for children/adolescents
  • Code of Conduct forms are reviewed on a yearly basis
  • Children and youth receive continuing education each year


For more information contact St. Patrick's Safe Environment Coordinator:

 Joan Falcon at (308) 254-2828.


If you, or someone you know, has suffered abuse by a cleric, church employee or volunteer please report the matter to a Victim Assistance Coordinators:

  • Heather Eichholz JCL Chancellor -(308) 382-6565 Ext. 208 or 1-800-622-2229
    chancellor@gidiocese.org
  • Fr. C. P. Varghese, or Joan Falcon - (308) 254-2828


In addition, whether the abuse takes place at church or outside of church:


  • The DOVES Program                 (866) 95-DOVES
  • Local law enforcement

           Sidney Police Dept.                   (308) 254-5515

           Sheriff Dept.                                 (308) 254-2922


Safe Environment Education for Children and Youth

(Click here to access all child/youth Safe Environment Resources for continuing education throughout the Faith Formation year.

These free resources are provided by our Grand Island Diocesan Child Protection Office.

Child Protection - Safe Environment

​Churches, schools, and youth organizations must ensure that children and youth who worship, study, or participate in activities sponsored by a parish can do so in the safest and most secure setting possible. Parents and caretakers have the right to ask these institutions if they meet the requirements of the Charter before they allow their children to become involved with them.


An effective safe environment program will have the following components:

  • A code of conduct and criminal background check for clergy and for any other paid personnel and volunteers in positions of trust who have regular contact with children and young people.
  • Training for all adults who work with children that consists of:


  • Signs an adult may see in a child who is abused
  • Signs an adult may see in a person who abuses children
  • What actions an adult should take when they believe child abuse of any kind may be occurring
  • The laws and policies regarding the reporting of child abuse


A training program for children that includes age appropriate materials pertaining to personal safety that conforms to Catholic teachings.

 

Below you will find three valuable videos connected to Safe Environment Training.