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Diocese Implements Additional Safe Environment Programs 

In 2005, a year-long study of personal safety education led the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City ~ St. Joseph to revamp programs for children and youth.  Parents, educators and church personnel reviewed programs and selected age-appropriate curricula that teach about and help to prevent sexual abuse. The programs recognize the importance of family involvement and require parental consent and education.
 
"After reviewing nationally recognized curricula, our diocese selected programs for preschool and elementary students developed by Committee for Children and a youth-oriented program authored by Praesidium for high school," said Mary Fran Horton, diocesan coordinator of safe environment programs and liaison with the national Office of Child and Youth Protection (OCYP).  "These initiatives ensure continued compliance with the standards established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)," she said.  

The USCCB adopted the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in June 2002, which set out the national standards. The OCYP assists dioceses
with the implementation of "safe environment" programs to protect children and conducts an annual audit to measure compliance.
 
Locally, parish programs for preschool through eighth grade students will teach
basic safety skills to help with growing independence. The program affirms that
children need rules, information and practice to be comfortable in a variety of
settings.

"The NEW Circle of Grace safety program was selected in 2009 for elementary use and builds upon the solid foundation established at home," said Horton.  "As children begin more activities away from home, the program focuses on assertiveness and reporting skills."  

For high-school-aged youth, the Praesidium: Called to Protect program balances self-protection skills with morality.  Using video and group discussions led by a certified trainer, the program defines personal boundaries and ways to respond when boundaries are violated.  

"The statistics are staggering," said Horton. "Before age 18, 25% of girls and
20% of boys will experience some form of sexual abuse. As children spend more time away from home, they need clear direction and the support of caring adults," said Horton.  "These programs put everyone on the same page - children, parents, parishes and schools - and establish every precaution so that children can worship, learn and grow in safe environments."
 
"Diocesan programs share the responsibility for preventative education with parents," said Horton. "Each parish and school in the diocese will offer parents a chance to review the programs and take part in home discussion after many of the lessons," she said. "We want them to have a complete picture of our programs.  They must be familiar with vocabulary used in personal safety education and willing to seize teachable moments as opportunities to convey cherished values," she said. 
 
"The impact of safety education depends on the support of parents," said Horton. "In addition to giving consent, parents can reinforce learning by clarifying misconceptions and helping children apply new skills in daily life."  

Programs began in the fall of 2006 for children enrolled in parish religious
education programs and Catholic Schools. The new Circle of Grace program was implemented in parishes and schools in the Fall of 2009.   

The programs supplement the Virtus:Protecting God's Children for Adults training required of all adults who interact professionally or as volunteers with children and youth. The diocese began adult education efforts in September 2002 and has trained thousands of adults on the warning signs of abuse and what to do if abuse is suspected.