Diocese to Begin Safe Environment Training Online

Diocese to begin safe environment training online

By Veronica Childers

The new academic year is in full swing. This was evident at the Catholic Educators’ Conference Oct. 6-8 at Bishop Kelly High School. It was wonderful to see old friends and to make new ones. Many of our Catholic school and religious education leaders came by the exhibit table for the diocesan Office of Child, Youth and Adult Protection, which gave me the opportunity to talk with them about the upcoming changes to our programs.

Beginning in January, the diocese will offeronline safe environment renewal training. Bishop Peter F. Christensen approved the purchase of an online program. We will be working with the diocesan insurer Catholic Mutual to bring to our diocese CMGConnect.

CMGConnect is a leader in safe environment training technology. It offersonline training with tracking capabilities to help with the annual auditrequired by the US bishops’ “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.” Our Catholic schools and parishes already use Catholic Mutual for many of their service needs. By including the online safe environment training, our diocese is able to fully benefit from this relationship.

CMGConnect’s “Safe Haven” online training is unique, in-depth and powerful. It engages the participant by drawing them into real life situations requiring intervention. This approach, along with the comprehensive content, makes this a “must-have” training for our diocese. “Safe Haven” identifies real-life abuse and neglect situations volunteers and employees may encounter. It addresses important topics such as pornography, social media and working with vulnerable adults.

We are excited to finally offer this online training, which will be available in English and Spanish.

As we continue in our mission to keep our communities safe, I’m also happy to report that our diocese passed the 2016 annual charter audit. We continue to make gains in renewing background checks and soon will begin renewing our training. Ongoing training has been offered in the Eastern, Southern, West Central and Western deaneries. I hope to travel through the North and North Central deaneries in the spring.

“If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual misconduct by someone acting on behalf of the Church, please contact us. We want to help,” said Bishop Christensen.

As diocesan safe environment coordinator, I am here to help you seek healing.

For more information, or for questions about the Office of Children, Youth and Adult Protection, email or Director Mark Raper at .