Safe Environment

The Safe Environment Program is a program that was established for the protection and well being of everyone at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.

The Diocese of Dallas has mandated that everyone who works with children, youth, vulnerable adults and/or developmentally disabled attend Safe Environment training annually.

Need for a Safe Environment Program

Abuse strikes every age and social background. Often it occurs in settings where children or youth completely trust adults - in homes, schools, camps, athletic and park programs, and most sadly, the Church.

Abuse can happen anywhere. We have a profound moral obligation to reduce the possibility of abuse ever occurring here at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.

In order to protect and safeguard the 2,400+ children and youth of our parish, the Community of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton has taken positive steps to provide a safer and more secure environment for our children.

What Does Safe Environment Mean to You?

All screening will remain confidential and the final decision whether or not you, as an applicant, will be accepted to work with our youth and/or children shall be based on information from the criminal background history, interview process and reference checks.

All volunteers will be trained to recognize possible signs of abuse, and how to report potential abuse.

Please remember that this process is for the protection of everyone in our parish. We need your help in ensuring their safety. In addition, this process will protect church staff and volunteer workers from potential allegations of abuse.

We need your support and commitment to this program.

Adult Abuse Prevention

If you suspect that a vulnerable adult may be the victim of exploitation, abuse, or neglect, call the Texas Abuse Hotline! 1-800-252-5400

The Safe Environment Program Requirements

As a new staff member, minister, or volunteer you must pick up a Safe Environment packet from one of the parish offices, follow the instructions in it, and attend "Recognizing - Responding - Reporting Abuse" training.

Once cleared you must complete an annual update training (see page link to the right).
New Social Media Policy - Meets update training requirement!

If you suspect a priest or employee at your parish has engaged in sexual misconduct involving a child:

First, notify local law enforcement.

Second, notify the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services through the Texas Abuse Hotline - 1-800-252-5400 or www.txabusehotline.org.

Finally, if the allegation involves a member of the clergy or an employee of a parish or the Diocese, please notify the Diocese of Dallas Victims Assistance Coordinator, Barbara Landregan, at: 214-379-2812.

God of endless love,
ever caring, ever strong,
always present, always just:
You gave your only Son
to save us by his blood on the cross.

Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace,
join to your own suffering
the pain of all who have been hurt
in body, mind, and spirit
by those who betrayed the trust placed in them.

Hear the cries of our brothers and sisters
who have been gravely harmed,
and the cries of those who love them.
Soothe their restless hearts with hope,
steady their shaken spirits with faith.
Grant them justice for their cause,
enlightened by your truth.

Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts,
heal your people’s wounds
and transform brokenness into wholeness.
Grant us the courage and wisdom,
humility and grace, to act with justice.
Breathe wisdom into our prayers and labors.
Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace in justice.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Copyright © 2014, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. To order publication no. 7-495, visit usccbpublishing.org or call 877-978-0757.

Report Child/Elder Abuse & Neglect
Call 1-800-252-5400
(It's the Law)