Week of January 11

The Diocese of San Jose makes every effort to assure that all persons who minister in the Diocese -- as well as parents and children -- are aware of the realities of child abuse.  Those who entrust their children to the care of the Church have a right to expect that due attention has been given to the recruiting, hiring, training and supervision of persons in charge of, or involved with, church programs.

 In compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (Revised Edition), our goal is to protect our children in all environments.  Every person is respected and treated with the dignity befitting a child of God.  Every person has the right to challenge any behavior or comment that is offensive or inappropriate.  It is the responsibility of everyone to protect the safety of all children, adults and families – and to promote healing where there is injury with firm justice and mercy towards all. (Respecting the Boundaries: Keeping the Ministerial Relationship Healthy and Holy)

 APPLICABILITY

Safe Environment Training / Sexual Conduct Training and the Adult Pastoral Code of Conduct applies to all diocesan personnel; priests, deacons, pastoral ministers, administrators, principals, teachers, staff and volunteers.  Most specifically, it applies to persons who are in direct contact with minors and vulnerable persons.

 For new employees, the live presentation of the Safe Environment and Sexual Conduct Training is required.  Live trainings are posted on the Diocesan Website and in the Diocesan Daily Bulletin.  The live training is approximately two hours in length.  Completion of Training, Mandated Reporting (Child and/or Elder Abuse), the Declaration of Responsibility and Policy Acknowledgement (Adult Pastoral Code of Conduct) documents are signed upon completion of the live training.

 All employees and volunteers who have received initial training are required to recertify every three years.  Employees and volunteers may recertify either through live trainings or our online training resource, www.shieldthevulnerable.org.  The Office for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults updates training attendance and anniversary dates.  Parishes are to remind their employees and volunteers of renewal dates.

January 18, 2009

Holiday (closed)