​As minors and vulnerable adults participate in activities within or sponsored by our diocese, it is our commitment to provide an environment which is safe and nurturing. Therefore, the mission of the Safe Environment Program is:

 

To provide required education for all employees (clergy, religious, and laity), those volunteers and others regularly involved with minors, and parents, as to the issue of abuse of children including the detection, prevention, and reporting of child abuse.  Abuse Reporting - How to report

 

​​To provide required training programs for children and young people in our Catholic schools and religious education programs. Children are not expected to be fully knowledgeable about child abuse or of the laws governing care of children but they need to know when they should seek assistance from a trusted adult.

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To thoroughly screen and evaluate the background of all diocesan employees – clergy, religious and laity – and those volunteers who work with children and young people.

 

​To hold those who minister in the name of the Church of Venice – all diocesan employees (clergy, religious and laity) and those volunteers who work with children and young people – to Christ-centered and professional codes of conduct.

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The Safe Environment Program consists of two core components: Training and Awareness plus Background Checking and Fingerprinting. See links below for training registration, the background fingerprinting process, and other information.