Child Protection / Safe Environment
at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church
at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church
St. Paul Catholic Church has a moral and legal responsibility, and is entrusted by God, for the spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of minors and vulnerable adults who participate in activities within or sponsored by our parish. We are committed to providing an environment that is safe and nurturing for everyone.
In compliance with the Policy for the Protection of Minors and Young People as decreed by Bishop Daniel E. Thomas of the Diocese of Toledo, employees and volunteers at St. Paul Parish who are over the age of 18 and who work with minors or vulnerable adults must successfully complete a registration process before working or volunteering in any capacity. This process is mandated, monitored, and strictly enforced by the Diocese.
The Safe Environment Program of the Diocese of Toledo was established to ensure compliance with the Articles set forth in the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People [Spanish version], established by the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in June 2002, and most recently revised in June 2018. The Safe Environment Program of the Diocese of Toledo functions through the Office of Child and Youth Protection and Victim Assistance, which coordinates training and background checks for all Diocesan clergy, employees, and volunteers who have regular contact with minors. It also disseminates the Diocesan Policy for the Protection of Minors and Young People, which includes:
All employees and volunteers within the ecclesiastical organizations of the Diocese of Toledo cannot begin working with children without first successfully completing the necessary background checks, the Safe Environment Training program, and signing an acknowledgement form, indicating that they have received,, read, understand, and will abide by the Standards of Behavior and Boundaries [see Appendix A, above] and the Guidelines for Prevention of Abuse of Vulnerable Adults [see Appendix B, above]. Individuals who do not comply will not be permitted to work or volunteer until all requirements have been met.
In compliance with the Policy for the Protection of Minors and Young People as decreed by Bishop Daniel E. Thomas of the Diocese of Toledo, employees and volunteers at St. Paul Parish who are over the age of 18 and who work with minors or vulnerable adults must successfully complete a registration process before working or volunteering in any capacity. This process is mandated, monitored, and strictly enforced by the Diocese.
The Safe Environment Program of the Diocese of Toledo was established to ensure compliance with the Articles set forth in the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People [Spanish version], established by the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in June 2002, and most recently revised in June 2018. The Safe Environment Program of the Diocese of Toledo functions through the Office of Child and Youth Protection and Victim Assistance, which coordinates training and background checks for all Diocesan clergy, employees, and volunteers who have regular contact with minors. It also disseminates the Diocesan Policy for the Protection of Minors and Young People, which includes:
- Standards of Behavior and Boundaries [Appendix A, p. 43] Applicable to all church personnel and all volunteers. These Standards are intended to provide clear norms of behavior and boundaries for all interactions with children and young people (minors), as well as those who may be considered "vulnerable adults."
- Guidelines for Prevention of Abuse of Vulnerable Adults [Appendix B, p. 55]
- Safe Environment Requirements [Appendix C, p. 58]
All employees and volunteers within the ecclesiastical organizations of the Diocese of Toledo cannot begin working with children without first successfully completing the necessary background checks, the Safe Environment Training program, and signing an acknowledgement form, indicating that they have received,, read, understand, and will abide by the Standards of Behavior and Boundaries [see Appendix A, above] and the Guidelines for Prevention of Abuse of Vulnerable Adults [see Appendix B, above]. Individuals who do not comply will not be permitted to work or volunteer until all requirements have been met.
COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS
(Please note that Norwalk Catholic Schools selects and monitors their own employees and volunteers.)
(Please note that Norwalk Catholic Schools selects and monitors their own employees and volunteers.)
CLERGY AND EMPLOYEES
FBI Background Check
The FBI Background Check must be completed via electronic fingerprinting. This process takes minutes and the results are usually returned to the Pastoral Center of the Diocese of Toledo in 1-7 days. The Diocese of Toledo provides electronic fingerprinting at the Pastoral Center on a regular basis. Please call 419-244-6711 for available times. There is a fee for this background check; please call ahead for the current rate. The Pastoral Center accepts cash, personal checks, and money orders payable to the Diocese of Toledo.
To find another agency in your local area where you can complete this background check:
http://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Business/Services-for-Business/WebCheck/Webcheck-Community-Listing.
If you are fingerprinted at a location other than the Pastoral Center, please inform the printing agency to use code 3319 and have the results mailed to:
Safe Environment Compliance Coordinator
Diocese of Toledo
1933 Spielbusch Avenue
Toledo, OH 43604
Selection.com/Fastrax Background Check
The Selection.com/Fastrax Background Check is a background check based on a social security number search and is completed through the VIRTUS website. (See TRAINING below.) The results are returned to the Pastoral Center within 24-72 hours. There is a fee for this background check that can be paid by credit card. Please note that there may be additional fees if you have lived outside of Ohio within the last 5 years.
VOLUNTEERS WORKING WITH MINORS
All volunteers who work with or may work with minors must complete the following steps:
Selection.com/Fastrax Background Check
The Selection.com/Fastrax Background Check is a background check based on a social security number search and is completed through the VIRTUS website. (See TRAINING below.) The results are returned to the Pastoral Center within 24-72 hours. There is a fee for this background check that can be paid by credit card. Please note that there may be additional fees if you have lived outside of Ohio within the last 5 years.
VOLUNTEERS WHO DO NOT WORK DIRECTLY WITH MINORS
Volunteers who normally do not work directly with minors will be provided a copy of the Standards of Behavior and Boundaries which they must read and acknowledge.
• These items can be completed through the VIRTUS website. (See TRAINING below.) Renewal is required every five (5) years.
- FBI Background Check (A fee is charged.)
- Submit Selection.com/Fastrax Background Check.• (A fee is charged.)
- Agreement for Standards of Behavior and Boundaries.•
- Complete the Protecting Youth and Vulnerable Adult Training.• (See TRAINING below.)
FBI Background Check
The FBI Background Check must be completed via electronic fingerprinting. This process takes minutes and the results are usually returned to the Pastoral Center of the Diocese of Toledo in 1-7 days. The Diocese of Toledo provides electronic fingerprinting at the Pastoral Center on a regular basis. Please call 419-244-6711 for available times. There is a fee for this background check; please call ahead for the current rate. The Pastoral Center accepts cash, personal checks, and money orders payable to the Diocese of Toledo.
To find another agency in your local area where you can complete this background check:
http://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Business/Services-for-Business/WebCheck/Webcheck-Community-Listing.
If you are fingerprinted at a location other than the Pastoral Center, please inform the printing agency to use code 3319 and have the results mailed to:
Safe Environment Compliance Coordinator
Diocese of Toledo
1933 Spielbusch Avenue
Toledo, OH 43604
Selection.com/Fastrax Background Check
The Selection.com/Fastrax Background Check is a background check based on a social security number search and is completed through the VIRTUS website. (See TRAINING below.) The results are returned to the Pastoral Center within 24-72 hours. There is a fee for this background check that can be paid by credit card. Please note that there may be additional fees if you have lived outside of Ohio within the last 5 years.
VOLUNTEERS WORKING WITH MINORS
All volunteers who work with or may work with minors must complete the following steps:
- Fill out a Volunteer Application Form
- Be interviewed by the Compliance Officer
- Submit Selection.com/Fastrax Background Check.• (A fee is charged.)
- Agreement for Standards of Behavior and Boundaries.•
- Complete the Protecting Youth and Vulnerable Adult Training.• (See TRAINING below.)
Selection.com/Fastrax Background Check
The Selection.com/Fastrax Background Check is a background check based on a social security number search and is completed through the VIRTUS website. (See TRAINING below.) The results are returned to the Pastoral Center within 24-72 hours. There is a fee for this background check that can be paid by credit card. Please note that there may be additional fees if you have lived outside of Ohio within the last 5 years.
VOLUNTEERS WHO DO NOT WORK DIRECTLY WITH MINORS
Volunteers who normally do not work directly with minors will be provided a copy of the Standards of Behavior and Boundaries which they must read and acknowledge.
• These items can be completed through the VIRTUS website. (See TRAINING below.) Renewal is required every five (5) years.
TRAINING
Clergy, employees, and volunteers working with minors must complete a Protecting Youth course on the VIRTUS website. If you previously completed a Protecting Youth course or a background check, you may already have an account on VIRTUS. Please contact the Safe Environment Compliance Coordinator for the Diocese of Toledo (419-244-6711) prior to setting up an account.
To establish a new VIRTUS account, click on the appropriate link below:
English: https://www.virtusonline.org/virtus/reg_2.cfm?theme=0&org=37396
Spanish: https://www.virtusonline.org/virtus/sp_reg_1.cfm?theme=0%20
The website process will lead you through the steps to acknowledge your agreement to abide by the Standards of Behavior and Boundaries, to complete the necessary background check, and to complete the training module "Protecting God's Children."
To establish a new VIRTUS account, click on the appropriate link below:
English: https://www.virtusonline.org/virtus/reg_2.cfm?theme=0&org=37396
Spanish: https://www.virtusonline.org/virtus/sp_reg_1.cfm?theme=0%20
The website process will lead you through the steps to acknowledge your agreement to abide by the Standards of Behavior and Boundaries, to complete the necessary background check, and to complete the training module "Protecting God's Children."
REPORTING MISCONDUCT/ABUSE
CHURCH PERSONNEL
Church personnel have a duty to report both their own ethical or professional misconduct and the ethical or professional misconduct of others. In addition to this, church personnel are to hold each other accountable for maintaining the highest ethical and professional standards. As a general rule, any conduct of concern should be brought by church personnel to the attention of his or her supervisor or other appropriate church authorities.
INDIVIDUALS
Individuals are encouraged to report allegations of sexual misconduct or suspected sexual abuse of a minor to church personnel, and all allegations will be taken with the utmost seriousness. Church personnel in the Diocese of Toledo, who have reason to suspect child abuse, have a civil and moral duty to report the suspected abuse by following the mandated procedure detailed in the Policy for the Protection of Minors and Young People, which includes the requirement of notifying the appropriate civil agency and contacting the Office for Child and Youth Protection and Victim Assistance at the Diocese of Toledo.
Church personnel have a duty to report both their own ethical or professional misconduct and the ethical or professional misconduct of others. In addition to this, church personnel are to hold each other accountable for maintaining the highest ethical and professional standards. As a general rule, any conduct of concern should be brought by church personnel to the attention of his or her supervisor or other appropriate church authorities.
INDIVIDUALS
Individuals are encouraged to report allegations of sexual misconduct or suspected sexual abuse of a minor to church personnel, and all allegations will be taken with the utmost seriousness. Church personnel in the Diocese of Toledo, who have reason to suspect child abuse, have a civil and moral duty to report the suspected abuse by following the mandated procedure detailed in the Policy for the Protection of Minors and Young People, which includes the requirement of notifying the appropriate civil agency and contacting the Office for Child and Youth Protection and Victim Assistance at the Diocese of Toledo.
To Report the Sexual Abuse of a Minor
To report any sexual abuse of a minor by Diocesan personnel (priest, deacon, consecrated religious brother/sister, or lay person), immediate contact should be made with local civil authorities, and with the Diocese of Toledo’s Victim Assistance Coordinator who can be reached at 419-244-6711, ext. 4880 in the Toledo calling area, or 1-800-926-8277, ext. 4880 (Outside Toledo, Within Ohio).
To report any sexual abuse of a minor by a bishop, or a bishop’s interference in an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor, immediate contact should be made with local civil authorities and by going to ReportBishopAbuse.org or calling (800) 276-1562. The Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting service allows for individuals to relay to church authorities any reports of a U.S. Catholic bishop who has:
To report any sexual abuse of a minor by a bishop, or a bishop’s interference in an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor, immediate contact should be made with local civil authorities and by going to ReportBishopAbuse.org or calling (800) 276-1562. The Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting service allows for individuals to relay to church authorities any reports of a U.S. Catholic bishop who has:
- forced someone to perform or to submit to sexual acts through violence, threat, or abuse of authority;
- performed sexual acts with a minor or a vulnerable person;
- produced, exhibited, possessed, or distributed child pornography, or recruited or induced a minor or a vulnerable person to participate in pornographic exhibitions;
- or, a diocesan or eparchial bishop, or a cleric overseeing a diocese/eparchy in the absence of a diocesan or eparchial bishop, who has intentionally interfered with a civil or church investigation or has failed to report allegations of sexual abuse committed by another cleric or religious.
The Diocese of Toledo website [click the link above] provides information regarding the status of clergy including:
• Clerics (deacons, priests, bishops) of the Diocese who have been placed on administrative leave due to an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor or who have been accused of a crime associated with child pornography.
• Clerics (deacons, priests, bishops) of the Diocese against whom an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor was substantiated, or who have been convicted of a crime associated with child pornography, and have been permanently removed from public ministry by a canonical process.
• Clerics (deacons, priests, bishops) of the Diocese of Toledo against whom an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor was substantiated or who have been convicted of a crime associated with child pornography and, as a result of a canonical process, have had imposed upon them the penalty of dismissal from the clerical state.
• Clerics (deacons, priests, bishops) of the Diocese who have been placed on administrative leave due to an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor or who have been accused of a crime associated with child pornography.
• Clerics (deacons, priests, bishops) of the Diocese against whom an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor was substantiated, or who have been convicted of a crime associated with child pornography, and have been permanently removed from public ministry by a canonical process.
• Clerics (deacons, priests, bishops) of the Diocese of Toledo against whom an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor was substantiated or who have been convicted of a crime associated with child pornography and, as a result of a canonical process, have had imposed upon them the penalty of dismissal from the clerical state.
VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Victim Assistance Program of the Diocese of Toledo recognizes its responsibility to provide, upon request, pastoral care, support, and resources to the victims of sexual abuse and their loved ones in support of their efforts to achieve psychological, emotional, and spiritual healing. The Diocese also recognizes its pastoral responsibility to assist all who are affected, including the community and the accused, in order to promote understanding and healing. After abuse has been reported, victims and their families can request to receive Victim Assistance from the Diocese.
COMPLIANCE AUDIT
The Diocese of Toledo participates in an annual audit to determine if its safe environment program, policies, and practices are in compliance with the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. On December 18, 2019, it was reported to St. Paul Parish that the Diocese of Toledo is in compliance, based on the 2018-2019 fiscal year audit. During this audit, Pastoral Center, parish, and diocesan school employees were interviewed concerning practices related to creating and maintaining a safe environment for our children and youth. [See: Safe Environment Compliance Audit Results.]
Documents Cited Above
U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People [Spanish version]
Diocese of Toledo
Policy for the Protection of Minors and Young People
Includes:
Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People [Spanish version]
Diocese of Toledo
Policy for the Protection of Minors and Young People
Includes:
- Appendix A: Standards of Behavior and Boundaries
- Appendix B: Guidelines for Prevention of Abuse of Vulnerable Adults
- Appendix C: Safe Environment Requirements
QUESTIONS about safe environment policies, procedures, and misconduct and/or abuse at St. Paul Parish should be directed to our Compliance Officer: Kate McKinney, 419-668-6044, ext 224. katem@stpaulchurch.org.
