Dear Parent or Guardian,

Out of concern for all God’s people and in response to the Unites States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, we have a program for the safe environment education of children and young people mandated by the Bishop of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

Dioceses/eparchies are to maintain “safe environment” programs which the diocesan/

eparchial bishop deems to be in accord with Catholic moral principles. They are to be

conducted cooperatively with parents, civil authorities, educators, and community organizations to provide education and training for children, youth, parents, ministers, educators, volunteers, and others about ways to make and maintain a safe environment for children and young people. Dioceses/eparchies are to make clear to clergy and all members of the community the standards of conduct for clergy and other persons in positions of trust with regard to children.

-Article 12, Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People

What is Called to Protect™ for Youth?

As Catholics, we believe that every human being is created in the image and likeness of God.

Each of us is sacred and our lives – body, mind, and soul – should be treated with respect.

Called to Protect™ for Youth is a comprehensive program specifically designed to teach high school youth self-protection skills with practical tools to realize this fundamental teaching of our faith.

Called to Protect™ for Youth uses a 3-part DVD series and3 supplemental lesson plans with guided group discussion to teach youth how to recognize their personal boundaries, how to respond if someone tries to violate their boundaries, and what to do if someone is sexually abusing them or someone they know. The DVD series is hosted by two young adults. They present what youth need to know in a non-threatening and educationally sound way.

Part one describes the three types of boundaries – physical, emotional, and behavioral. Part two provides a demonstration of a variety of ways youth can respond if someone is trying to violate their boundaries. Part three explains why it may be difficult to tell someone about abuse and demonstrates ways for youth to tell their parents or another trusted adult if someone is abusing them or someone they know.

In our diocese, the Called to Protect™ for Youth curriculum is used in the following way:

9th Grade – 3-part DVD series described above

10th Grade – Supplemental lesson plan on “Healthy Boundaries in Peer Relationships”

11th Grade – Supplemental lesson plan on “Healthy Boundaries in Electronic Communication”

12th Grade – Supplemental lesson plan on “Healthy Boundaries in Dating Relationships”

For Questions or More Information

Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher or the Director of Religious Education if you have questions or want more information about this program.

3/29/16