KEY LINKS FOR SAFE ENVIRONMENT

The following are key links related to the Diocesan Safe Environment policy.

Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People
The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People is a comprehensive set of procedures originally established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in June 2002 for addressing allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy. It also includes guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability, and prevention of future acts of abuse. Every Catholic diocese/eparchy in the United States is bound by the Charter. The Charter is available on the USCCB’s website.

VIRTUS Online Training for Adults + Background Check

The Charter mandates that adults who have contact with minors in a diocese/eparchy (both volunteers and employees) complete sexual abuse prevention training and submit a background check. The Eparchy of Newton uses VIRTUS Online’s “Protecting God’s Children” program for adults and Selection.com for background checks. Both the training and background check are completed through the VIRTUS Online website.

“Circle of Grace” Training for Children and Youth
The Charter mandates that every diocese/eparchy provide age-appropriate sexual abuse prevention training to children and youth enrolled in religious education. The Eparchy of Newton uses the “Circle of Grace” program which has been adopted more than 70 other dioceses/eparchies around the country. Parents can contact their parish catechist or the Eparchy’s Safe Environment Coordinator sean.mclaughlin@melkite.org  to receive the “Circle of Grace” content. Learn more about the “Circle of Grace” program.

 

Parent Opt-out Form for “Circle of Grace” Training
Parents have the right to opt out their children from the “Circle of Grace” training. In such cases, the Eparchy asks them to submit the online opt-out form. The Eparchy will gladly provide the “Circle of Grace” content to parents who opt out their children from the training for review at home. Submit the parent opt-out form here.