Safe Environment

Policy

The Safe Environment Policy was created to take reasonable measures to assure that all staff and volunteers over 18 are committed to providing a safe environment for children and youth, can identifying and prevent abuse of children, and have no personal history of behavior that would be a threat to children. This policy applies to all staff and volunteers over the age of 18. Church personnel is defined as all adult persons (those 18 years of age or older), whether clergy, members of consecrated life, or laity, who, as employees or volunteers, act in the name of the Church under the auspices of the Diocese of Pittsburgh or one of its parishes.

Purpose

We are most grateful that you want to live out your baptismal calling by volunteering at Holy Spirit Parish! The time you contribute as a volunteer is greatly appreciated, needed, and valued. Before beginning to volunteer, we need you to understand the Safe Environment Policy, as required by the Diocese of Pittsburgh and the child abuse statutes of the Commonwealth State of Pennsylvania, it is necessary to complete the following steps to become safe environment compliant before you begin your ministry as staff or volunteer.

The Reporting Process

Everyone is a permissive reporter and is encouraged to make a report of suspected child abuse. Reporters of suspected child abuse fall into two categories. Mandated reporters are those adults who come into direct contact with children in the course of their employment or volunteer of a regularly scheduled program or activity, who accepts responsibility for a child. The trigger to report is a reasonable suspicion that a child is being abused. Permissive reporters may report anonymously; mandated reporters may not.

Making a Report of Child Abuse

Reports of suspected child abuse are to be made immediately. If the child is in imminent danger, call 911 Reports may be made orally by phone or electronically.

Oral reports are made to ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313 which is available 24/7

Electronic reports are made via CWIS Self-Service portal at www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis

Inform the supervisor or person in charge of your program that a report was made To report church-related abuse to the Diocese of Pittsburgh call: 1-888-808-1235

All Employees, Ohio resident volunteers, or any inquiries, please contact your Safe Environment person listed below.

STEP ONE - Virtus application

STEP THREE - FBI Clearance or Waiver

STEP FOUR -
Protecting God's Children Class

STEP FIVE -
Mandated Reporter Training