Safe Environment Program

As Christian adults, we have a moral and legal responsibility and are entrusted by God with the spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of minors and vulnerable adults. As they participate in activities within or sponsored by our Diocese, it is our responsibility and commitment to provide an environment, which is safe and nurturing.

The following screening procedures are used with all staff and any volunteers whose duties include contact with minors or other vulnerable groups. 

1. Screening form. All staff and volunteers must complete the online screening form that gives identifying information as well as permission to run a criminal background check.   Volunteers should have attended the parish for at least six months in order to become well known by the other adults and leaders. The pastor or his designate can grant a waiver of the six-month rule if warranted.  
2. Criminal Background Check.  A criminal background check is conducted on all clergy, staff, and all volunteers whose duties include contact with minors and vulnerable adults.  This list includes but is not limited to the following Ministries:  Children’s Faith Formation and Youth Ministry volunteers, EM’s to the Sick and Homebound volunteers, and Hospitality/Ushers.  All criminal background checks are updated every two (2) years through a Diocesan-approved vendor. 
3. Reference Check. References are checked from those listed on the screening form.  A written record of each reference check is maintained at the parish office.
4. Interview.  Each applicant, whether volunteer or paid, is interviewed by a ministry lead or Safe Environment Coordinator.
5. Online Training.  All staff and volunteers must complete Diocesan-approved online training each year.   

Once all steps are completed successfully, a person is considered Safe Environment Cleared for 1 year at which time they will need to complete retraining. 

Not all volunteer opportunities warrant Safe Environment Clearance.  Please contact Sharon Bush, Safe Environment Coordinator at Holy Spirit Catholic Parish at [email protected] or (972) 298-4971 x319 for more information.