Safe Environment

All children, young people, and vulnerable adults have the right to be safe and protected from harm in all environments. Holy Cross follows all policies set forth by the Diocese of Syracuse that embraces this right and promotes that protection by taking steps to create safe environments to prevent the sexual abuse of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We will continue to take steps to create safe environments through continued education, building awareness, and maintaining a commitment to keeping all children, young people, and vulnerable adults safe. To learn more about the Diocese of Syracuse Safe Environment program, please visit their website.

 

Safe Environment Training

All diocesan, parish, and school employees and volunteers working with children, young people, or vulnerable adults must attend initial safe environment training, and subsequent recertification every 5 years. On regular occasion, Holy Cross hosts sessions of each training for convenience of staff and parishioners. Check the registration schedule to find a time and location that is convenient for you. If you have any questions, contact Julie Sheridan, Safe Environment Coordinator for Holy Cross.

 

Initial Training

TITLE: Protecting God's Children (PGC)

Preregistration is required.

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 pass a criminal background check.

 
 

Recertification Training

TITLE: Entrusted to Protect, Dedicated to Restore

Preregistration is required. Here is a schedule of classes.

The diocesan Child and Youth Protection Policy requires Safe Environment re-certification training (1 1/2 hour session) every five (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 continues to place them in regular contact with children, young people, or vulnerable adults

In addition to the recertification session, all participants must pass a new criminal background check in order to complete their Safe Environment recertification screening.