Safe Environment
All children have the right to be safe and protected from harm in all environments – home, school, religious institutions, neighborhoods and communities. The Diocese of Syracuse embraces this right to safety and promotes the protection of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We will continue to take steps to create a safe environment and to prevent the sexual abuse of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. The Diocese of Syracuse expects that all persons and entities under its auspices will comply with this policy.
In keeping with our commitment, the diocesan Safe Environment Office has two distinct but closely related offices: the Office of Victim Assistance and the Safe Environment Office . These offices are accountable for integrating the approved standards of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People(USCCB 2002) with our Catholic values and teachings, canon laws, and policies.
Click here to read the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
Safe Environment Training
All diocesan, parish, and school employees, as well as volunteers working with children, young people, or vulnerable adults must attend initial safe environment training (and subsequent re-certification every 5 years). St. Ann’s regularly hosts sessions of each training for the convenience of staff and parishioners. Check the registration schedules below to find a time and location that is convenient for you.
Initial Training
“Protecting God’s Children (PGC)”
Pre-registration is required. A schedule of classes (both online and in person) is listed in the calendar below.
Who must train?
- All clergy
- All members of religious orders
- All parish and diocesan employees, including those who have no contact with children
- All volunteers whose ministry or role places them in regular contact with children, young people, or vulnerable adults
Completion of a first-time Safe Environment PGC training session is required within 60 days of assumption of duties, employment, or volunteering per diocesan policy. To complete the screening, participants must also pass a criminal background check.
For more information on the initial Safe Environment training click here
Re-certification Training
“Entrusted to Protect, Dedicated to Restore”
Pre-registration is required. A schedule of classes (both online and in person) is listed in the calendar below.
The diocesan Child and Youth Protection Policy requires Safe Environment re-certification training every 5 years for:
- All clergy
- All members of religious orders
- All parish and diocesan employees, including those who have no contact with children
- All volunteers whose ministry or role places them in regular contact with children, young people, or vulnerable adults
In addition to the re-certification session, all participants must pass a new criminal background check in order to complete their Safe Environment re-certification screening.
For more information on Safe Environment Re-certification click here
If you have any questions on St. Ann’s Safe Environment efforts please contact our safe environment office at SafeEnvironment@saintannschurch.com
You can also contact Syracuse Diocese Safe Environment Office at 315-470-1421 or safeenvironment@syrdio.org