Safe Environment Program

All parishes in the diocese of Madison are participating in the safe environment program established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in their Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Adult catechists and volunteers are required to 1) attend an Awareness Session alerting them to the signs of child sexual abuse; 2) submit permission for a background check;
and 3) read the diocesan booklet of policies regarding a safe environment
and sign a statement that they understand and will abide by these policies.

Youth, who work with younger children, are required to sign a Code of Contact stating that they will practice behavior consistent with the policies of the diocese when volunteering with young children.

We also will provide optional programs for parents and guardians to assist them in their roles as the primary educators in the areas of morals, values, and human sexuality and in ensuring their children’s safety, especially safety from sexual abuse. The program we will be offering is called “Protecting God’s Children – Teaching Touch Safety Program for Parents, Guardians and Caring Adults.”

The Charter also requires that every parish religious education program incorporate into their curriculum educational programs for children on sexual abuse prevention. Two lessons of approximately 30 minutes each will be taught this year to all children in parish programs: Lesson 1 is Touching Safety Rules, and Lesson 2 is Safe Friends, Safe Adults, and Safe Touches. Parents will be informed when these programs will take place and are welcome to attend.