Safe Environment

“Be on guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong. Your every act should be done with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

The Diocese of Phoenix is committed to providing a safe environment where we value and honor every individual as created in the image and likeness of God. The role of the Safe Environment Training Office is to cultivate a culture of prevention and safety within the Diocese of Phoenix; to educate and inform about safety protocols and practices and be a resource to parishes and schools on safe environment issues.

VOLUNTEER SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING

ALL volunteers serving within the Diocese of Phoenix must be trained annually.
ALL Volunteers working directly with minors must complete their initial foundation safe environment training prior to service.
ALL other volunteers must complete their initial foundation safe environment training within a month of beginning volunteer activities.
Each year thereafter, all volunteers are to complete the annual renewal training during the open renewal period of July 1st – December 31st.
Each diocesan location may establish an earlier deadline for volunteers to complete their SET; however, the diocesan requirement for completing renewal trainings is December 31st.
Annual renewal is a requirement to continue volunteering.
Any person who has not completed the annual SET renewal within a year after the December 31st deadline will be inactivated. To return to ministry, completion of the SET Foundation training along with a complete background check must be completed before resuming volunteer activities.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING PURPOSE

The purpose of the training is to help all trainees:

1. Be aware of the signs of child abuse.

2. Follow all Diocese policies and procedures.

3. Take steps to prevent abuse and protect minors.

4. Abide by Arizona Statutes and written diocesan procedures if abuse is suspected or observed.

WHO NEEDS TO COMPLETE SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING?

Clergy (Priests and Deacons)
Seminarians, Consecrated men and women and Deacon Candidates
The Lay Faithful
ALL paid personnel
ALL volunteers
Vendors
Outside organizations

WHEN SHOULD TRAINING BE ACCOMPLISHED?

The Safe Environment Training year is July 1st – June 30th.

Clergy, deacon candidates and seminarians, consecrated men and women and diocesan employees:

When working directly with minors:
ALL Clergy, deacon candidates and seminarians, consecrated men and women and diocesan employees shall complete their initial training PRIOR to beginning service.
If not working directly with minors:
ALL Clergy, deacon candidates and seminarians, consecrated men and women and diocesan employees shall complete their initial training within one month of beginning service.
Each year thereafter, ALL Clergy, deacon candidates and seminarians, consecrated men and women and diocesan employees are to complete their RENEWAL Safe Environment Training by September 30th

Need help at the parish level?

If you or anyone you know have any further questions regarding safe enviornment feel free to contact the OLPH Coordinator of Safe Enviornment.

DIOCESE OF PHOENIX

Safe Environment Training Office

602-354-2208

400 E. Monroe Street

Phoenix, AZ 85004

The Diocese of Phoenix encourages anyone who has been a victim of sexual, physical, or emotional abuse by any member of the clergy, a consecrated man or woman, any seminarian or deacon candidate, diocesan employee or any volunteer of the Roman Catholic Church to contact law enforcement and the Department of Child Safety.

In addition, the Diocese of Phoenix provides support services through its Office of Child and Youth Protection.

Office of Child and Youth Protection

602-354-2396

https://dphx.org/youth-protection/

400 E. Monroe Street

Phoenix, AZ 85004

REPORTING LINE: 877-850-0003(English)/800-216-1288 (Spanish)

www.lighthouse-services.com/dphx

Please continue to pray for the end of all abuse and greater respect for the dignity of the human person.

Diocese of Phoenix Safe Environment Training