SAFE ENVIRONMENT NEWS – Spring 2017
SE Flyer, Spring 2017
Safe Environment Spring 2016 workshops a success
Safe Environment Coordinator Cynthia Corbett has issued an update regarding the success of the Office for Protection of Children’s recent round of Safe Environment workshops, conducted from April through June at four churches of the Archeparchy (Scroll down to read original notification).
READ the late summer 2016 Safe Environment News
Every April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
“Families need to know that the Church is making every effort to protect their children. They should also know that they have every right to turn to the Church with full confidence, for it is a safe and secure home. Consequently, priority must not be given to any other kind of concern, whatever its nature, such as the desire to avoid scandal, since there is absolutely no place in ministry for those who abuse minors.”
– Pope Francis, 2 February 2015, Letter of His Holiness Pope Francis
to the Presidents of Episcopal Conferences
The Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh is dedicated to ensuring the safety of children and youth placed in its care. Scroll down for additional news and visit the web page for the Office of Protection of Children for general information and links to the Archeparchy’s Safe Environment Program and other initiatives.
Also visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ web site for an excellent listing of answers to Frequently Asked Questions regarding the protection of children and also for links to other web sites dedicated to child safety.
The Office of Protection of Children and Youth Announces . . .
NEW PERSONNEL
• Mrs. Cynthia Corbett – Safe Environment Coordinator for the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh
NEW PROGRAM
• 2016 Safe Environment Workshop: “Protecting Our Children and Youth” (see specific information below, and also see informational PDF flyer)
− Required for all Clergy, Employees, Staff, Catechists, Parents, Volunteers
− Four Convenient Locations: Uniontown, Sykesville, Campbell, Munhall Cathedral
− FREE: No Participation Fee, No Materials Charges – All Materials and Resources Included
NEW POLICIES
• All Employees and Volunteers MUST HAVE Criminal Clearance, Child Abuse Clearance & Training Certification on file at the Chancery prior to active employment or participation in parish activities
• All Pennsylvania Certifications MUST be renewed every three (3) years
• ECF Teachers MUST OFFER a Safe Environment lesson plan their students during the month of October. Documentation forms MUST BE MAILED TO THE CHANCERY by the Coordinators before November 1st.
NEW RESOURCES
• Updated Website Pages – visit www.archpitt.org/protection-of-children
• Online capability for Child Abuse Protection Certification
• Online access to Safe Environment Lesson Plans for Teachers/Parents
• Online Safe Environment Training
The cooperation of all pastors and administrators is essential to the partnership between parishes and the Office of Protection of Children and Youth in order to thoroughly engage and completely succeed in this very important work. Safe Environment Coordinator Cynthia Corbett is available at any time to contact for help with the Safe Environment Program at your parish. Phone 412-231-4000 ext. 10, or email ccorbett@archpitt.org
SAFE ENVIRONMENT WORKSHOPS
“PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN AND YOUTH”
Sponsored by the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh Office for the Protection of Children and Youth
It is time, once again, for all employees and volunteers of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh to renew their Safe Environment Training Certification. It has been twelve years since the Charter for the Protection of Children was approved. There is much good news to share about all that has been done and continues to be done by the Church to prevent child abuse.
This informational workshop will cover: The Charter for the Protection of Children; Statistics and Ongoing Concerns; Child Abuse Definitions and Responses; Mandated Reporting; Archieparchial Requirements; Prevention Measures; Tips for Parents/Guardians and Internet Safety.
Much has changed since the Training Workshops were first introduced in 2003 and updated in 2007. There are new laws governing Child Abuse Clearances and Mandated Reporting, particularly in Pennsylvania, where the Archeparchy’s physical headquarters are located. There also are changes to the application process for Criminal and Child Abuse Clearances.
All Archieparchial clergy, employees, staff, catechists, parents, youth leaders, volunteers and parishioners are urged to attend one of the four upcoming convenient workshops:
Saturday April 9, 2016 10:00-11:30 a.m. Uniontown, PA: St. John the Baptist Church
Saturday May 7, 2016 10:00-11:30 a.m. Sykesville, PA: Holy Trinity Church
Saturday May 21, 2016 10:00-11:30 a.m. Campbell, OH: St. Michael Church
Saturday June 11, 2016 3:00-4:30 p.m. Munhall, PA: St. John Cathedral
Admission is FREE and complimentary resources will be provided for all participants. Register today by emailing ccorbett@archpitt.org or download and print the Safe Environment Workshop flyer/registration form – in color or in black/white.
