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Safe Environment Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
How can I report the sexual abuse of a minor by a cleric or other representatives of the Diocese of Columbus? All sexual abuse of minors should first be reported immediately to local law enforcement in the county where the abuse is alleged to have occurred. Reports of abuse by a member of the clergy or an employee of the Diocese of Columbus should also be made to the diocese’s victim assistance coordinator, who can be reached by telephone at 866-448-0217 or by email at helpisavailable@columbuscatholic.org.
I already had a background check; can I use it for volunteering or employment? Possibly: It depends on a few factors, the most important is when it was completed. You should speak with your local safe environment coordinator to find out more.
Who defines the background check and training requirements for the Diocese? Our Bishop defined the policies related to background checks, training, and other requirements. For teachers, the State of Ohio licensing requirements also drive specific requirements.
I have questions about background checks and/or training. Who can I ask for more information? Your local safe environment coordinator should be your first stop for answers. Keep in mind at some parishes, this might be the business manager, another employee, or even a volunteer.
I’d like to learn more about protective efforts. Can you share any resources? Please see the USCCB website for information highlighting the importance of prevention, protection and accountability in response to the ongoing effort to eradicate clergy sexual abuse.
Does the diocese’s policy require reporting of allegations of sexual abuse of minors and cooperation with law enforcement? Yes. All Church personnel or others who are working for the diocese in an official or professional capacity, who know or have information that suggests that a child has been sexually abused by Church personnel, are required to report the knowledge or suspicion to civil authorities. This requirement applies to all priests, deacons, employees, and volunteers of the diocese and of diocesan parishes, institutions and organizations, regardless of whether or not they are mandated to report under civil law. The Diocese of Columbus is committed to cooperating fully with local law enforcement in the investigation of reported sexual abuse.
How does the diocese investigate a sexual abuse claim and what steps are taken in response? All claims of sexual abuse of minors by a cleric are first reported to the appropriate public legal authorities. In addition to any investigation by a public legal authority, all claims against a living cleric are referred to the diocesan Review Board for investigation. A professional investigator, monitored by the Review Board, then gathers all available information about the facts and circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse. The investigation will include an interview of the victim and the accused cleric as well as consideration of other pertinent information.
If, after an initial review of the facts, the claim has at least the appearance of being real or genuine, the Review Board will recommend to the bishop that the accused cleric should be withdrawn from ministry pending the completion of the investigation. Upon completion of the investigation to the Review Board’s satisfaction, the Review Board will make a recommendation to the bishop that sexual abuse of a minor has occurred if: 1) the accused cleric admits to sexual abuse, 2) a civil court of criminal law finds the accused cleric guilty of a crime that involves sexual abuse, or 3) it is determined that, by a preponderance of the evidence, it is more likely than not that the accused cleric committed sexual abuse.
A canonical process then follows, including a referral of the matter to the appropriate office of the Vatican. If it is then established, according to Church law, that even a single act of sexual abuse of a minor has occurred, the offending cleric will be permanently removed from ecclesiastical ministry and, if warranted, removed from the priesthood or diaconate.
How are Church personnel trained to prevent sexual abuse? All priests, seminarians, deacons, deacon candidates, religious men and women, lay ecclesial ministers, employees and volunteers who work with children are required to attend a safe environment training course that outlines best practices in the field of safety of children. The program trains adults to recognize the warning signs of abuse and the grooming behaviors of adults who have inappropriate relationships with children. It also outlines the best ways to communicate concerns. It emphasizes the importance of reporting all suspicions of abuse. The VIRTUS® program, which is in use in the diocese, also includes an ongoing education component which provides bulletins on topics related to protecting children from many forms of abuse. All Church personnel and volunteers are required to submit to a background check before ministering with children. These efforts allow us to create and maintain safe environments for our children. Since implementing these programs, 154,000 adults have been trained and background checked in our ongoing efforts to create safe environments for our children.
How does the Diocese of Cleveland help survivors of abuse? Survivors of abuse are offered the compassionate care of the Victim Assistance Coordinator, the pastoral and spiritual support of the Church and counseling assistance with a counselor of their choosing, for as long as it is helpful. As each person and the circumstances surrounding the offense committed against them is different, a variety of other means of assistance may also be employed to help them to gain healing and peace.
After the initial training and screenings, how often are prevention methods updated? Criminal background checks are completed on all clergy, staff and volunteers who work with children throughout the eight counties of the Diocese of Columbus. Initial screenings are completed via Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation & Identification and/or FBI fingerprint background checks. Repeat background checks are thereafter conducted every five years.
Adult Training: Protecting God’s Children™
Who has to take Protecting God’s Children™ (PGC)? All paid diocesan, parish and school staff and any clergy temporarily assigned to the Diocese of Columbus regardless of their level of contact with children and youth.
All volunteers in a program or ministry for children and youth regardless of their level of contact with children and youth (examples: Catholic school, PSR program, etc.)
Employees and volunteers for other parish programs or ministries who have been delegated care, custody, or control of children and youth (example: choir director, sacristan)
Is there a cost to take the PGC class? There is no charge to attend. All workbook materials and handouts are provided by the host parish or school. Participants should bring a pen.
I took the Boy Scouts of America program; do I still have to take PGC? Yes.
Can I get CEU credit for my job? The Diocese is not equipped to provide continuing education credits for this class.
I’m not Catholic. Do I still have to take Protecting God’s Children™ to coach? Yes.
Do I have to take the class just to be a driver for a high school field trip? Yes. Duration of service does not mitigate compliance.
I am a victim of sexual abuse and I would find it too disturbing to attend the class. Can I still volunteer? The Diocese will work individually with victims. Call the diocesan Safe Environment Coordinator at 614-241-2565 for confidential arrangements.
How do I register for the Protecting God’s Children™ class? You may register on-line at www.virtus.org and click on “Registration.” Choose “Begin the Registration Process”, select “Diocese of Columbus” as your location, and then follow the prompts. If you do not have Internet access, you may contact your parish or school for help or the diocesan Safe Environment Office.
How do I find out when and where the classes are being held? The current schedule is posted online at www.virtus.org, click on “Registration” and choose “View a list of sessions.” Be sure to select “Diocese of Columbus.”
Is childcare available at the class? No, and children are not permitted to attend. Participants who bring children will be asked to leave and reschedule for another session.