SAFE ENVIRONMENTS

 

Protection of Children and Youth Initiative

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and School are required to meet the requirements for children's personal safety instruction outlined in both the US Bishops' Charter to Protect and the Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis Protection of Children and Youth Initiative (PCYI). This means that all children/youth of all ages/grades who are enrolled in either St. John the Baptist Catholic School or Religious Education programs participate in personal safety programs in accordance with these curriculum requirements:
 
  • Four 30- to 40-minute lessons per year per grade for Catholic school children
  • Two 30- to 40-minute lessons per year per grade for children in parish faith formation and youth ministry programs.
Programs are age-appropriate and respect parents' roles as their children's primary educators. The program currently used by St. John's school and religious education programs is developed by Netsmartz.
 
If a minor or vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, please call 911.
 
If you suspect abuse of a minor, your first call should be to Civil Authorities.
 
For more information on reporting abuse and/or victim assistance, please visit the Archdiocesan Office for the Protection of Children and Youth.
 
In June of 2002, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops approved a document titled, “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.” The “Charter” was a response of the bishops to counter crimes of sexual abuse within the Church as well as the greater society.  Every diocese in the country is bound by this document, as are the parishes of a diocese. Among the practical steps coming from the “Charter” is a requirement of criminal background checks of all church employees and volunteers. An additional requirement is in-service training on the prevention of sexual abuse for all church employees and volunteers.
 

To Volunteer with Minors/Vulnerable Adults, here are the volunteer requirements:

 
Create your own VIRTUS account at: VIRTUS ONLINE
Complete the 123b FORM
 
For any questions or concerns contact our Safe Environment Coordinator at  or call the Parish Office at 952-890-9465.