Safe Environment Program

The Diocese of Worcester created Safe Environment Program for all individuals in the  diocese  to help promote awareness of sexual abuse, help to prevent abuse, and to encourage survivors of abuse to seek the healing they deserve.
The following people must complete Safe Environment Program* in order to work or volunteer in the Diocese of Worcester, its parishes and its organizations:

• Bishop(s)
• Priests and Deacons
• Seminarians
• Religious priests, brother and sisters
• Lay employees and volunteers (age 14 and over)

* The Safe Environment Program covers educational training, background screening (CORI) and acknolwedging the Code of Misnterial Conduct. For visiting clergy from other dioceses or religious orders, a letter of suitability from their superior attesting to their fulfillment of these areas is required in advance of particiapting in any functions including liturgies.

Why Safe Environment Programs?

Article 12 of the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children & Young People calls for a Safe Environment program for each diocese in the United States: 

ARTICLE 12. Dioceses/eparchies will establish "safe environment" programs. They will cooperate with parents, civil authorities, educators, and community organizations to provide education and training for children, youth, parents, ministers, educators, and others about ways to make and maintain a safe environment for children. Dioceses/eparchies will make clear to clergy and all members of the community the standards of conduct for clergy and other persons in positions of trust with regard to sexual abuse. 



Click Link on Left for details about Safe Environment Training.