Safety: Protection of Children

Our Church today is suffering, having been wounded not from outside, but from within. There are reliable reports of ministers violating their vows, betraying their vocations, and victimizing others. There are plausible charges that some in authority have ignored crimes, abetted deceptions, and failed in their duty to protect the most vulnerable.

Our hearts cry out for truth and for justice. Jesus said, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." We can pray that this season of suffering will become a time of truth and of clarity, so that new light will break into our darkness, and we can find a path toward healing for all members of the Body of Christ.

St. Bart’s Safe Environment Programs

All adults working with children (EFF/MFF/Confirmation/Youth Group Catechists) must be trained using the VIRTUS ONLINE TRAINING: "PROTECTING GOD'S CHILDREN.” In addition, they must also have their background evaluated using the Live Scan electronic fingerprinting system. 

The training curriculum raises awareness regarding recognizing, reporting and preventing child abuse. The Policies and Procedures and the Standards of Conduct regarding sexual misconduct in the Archdiocese of San Francisco are also part of the training. 

In addition, our EFF/MFF children will be trained in the upcoming months using VIRTUS’ TEACHING BOUNDARIES AND SAFETY GUIDE. These sessions will be age-appropriate and touch on the following topics:

• Levels 1 & 2 - Touching Safety Rules & Safe Friends, Safe Adults and Safe Touches
• Levels 3, 4 & 5 - Boundaries & Telling Someone You Trust
• MFF Students - Grooming: Recognizing risky adult behavior 1 & 2

To read VIRTUS' TEACHING BOUNDARIES AND SAFETY GUIDE in it's entirety, click here.

For more information from the Archdiocese of San Francisco, visit: https://www.sfarchdiocese.org/our-safe-environment-programs