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HISTORY OF THE DIOCESAN SAFE ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM
In June, 2002 the U. S. Catholic Bishops drafted the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. In that document, the Bishops vowed to do everything in their power to create and maintain Safe Environments within the Catholic Church in the United States.
The Bishops also agreed to establish Review Boards in each diocese comprised of mostly lay people who would advise the bishop in his assessment of allegations of sexual abuse of minors and in his determination of suitability of ministry. They would also regularly review diocesan policies and procedures for dealing with sexual abuse of minors. The Review Board for the Diocese of Salt Lake City was established in August, 2002, and is comprised of eleven members, mostly lay people, with packgrounds in education, law enforcement, psychology, social services and the judicial system.
The bishops vowed ro establish safe environment programs in every diocese
to be conducted cooperatively with parents, civil authorities, educators, and community organizations to provide education and training for children, youth, parents, ministers, educators, volunteers, and others about ways to make and maintain a safe environment for children and young people.
The Diocese of Salt Lake City's Safe Environment Program was established in the spring of 2003 and requires all indivduals having regular contact with minors in the diocese to:
- participate in a criminal background evaluation
- complete the Online Training Course
- read and be familiar with all Safe Environment Policies
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