Bishop John McRaith
OFFICE OF SAFE ENVIRONMENT: DIOCESE OF OWENSBORO
Patty Blair: Director of Lay Ministry &Formation (training programs)                 Donna Biggs and Rita Hayden: Administrative Assistants
Molly Thompson:  Coordinator (270-683-1545, x353)--molly.thompson@pastoral.org

 

Diocesan Safe Environment requirements for adults include a current background check and current Safe Environment training.
 Documents/Forms for Safe Environment Implementation  (English/Español)
--Policy for Activities Involving Minors and Vulnerable Adults          --Diocesan Sexual Abuse Policy           --"Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People" and "Essential Norms"
Seeking HEALING for Those  Harmed--Diocesan Review Board contacts
 Compliance with Safe Environment for Individuals: Background Checks and Training
Safe Environment Office News & Updates
Videos on Sexual Abuse--from the Diocesan Media Center
Office of Safe Environment: Goals
Aids for Pastors  & Safe Environment Contacts:
--Tips: Safe Environment Requirements for Different Groups
--Community Contacts Form
--Pastor's Annual Review Form: due by 7/15 each year
--Children's Training Verification Form  / (Spanish)-parent(s) must submit if they do not want child to receive Safe Environment training that year
 --Testimonials of Suitability: required when individuals from outside the diocese (not under our diocese's
Safe Environment policies)  minister within this diocese for parish missions, weekend or special Masses,
speaking opportunities where minors are included, etc.
--Catechist Introduction for Youth SE Training videos/DVDs
 --Sexual Abuse Policy Receipt for Clergy
In 2002 the bishops of the United States created the "Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People," specifically to address
the evil of sexual abuse perpetrated by those in positions of trust within the Church.   Article 12 of the Charter addresses training and
standards of conduct, and Article 13 requires that dioceses “evaluate the background" of employees and of volunteers whose duties
include unsupervised contact with minors.
     All in ministry should take every appropriate step to protect those in their care from accidental or deliberate harm.  The Diocese of
Owensboro Office of Safe Environment aids in those efforts and relies on the diocese's parishes and schools to implement the policies
developed for the safety of our younger, most vulnerable members.
OLDER ITEMS OF INTEREST:
Safe Environment Office News & Updates:  May 2008
Safe Environment Trainings Held:  2007-2008 school year / 2006-2007 school year / 2005-2006 school year /
2004-2005 school year / 2003-2004 school year
Official USCCB Report for the Diocese of Owensboro regarding Charter compliance
(2004)Bishop McRaith's open letter of January 2004 regarding healing after abuse and the value of Safe Environment
Hispanic Safe Environment Program Development
Legal Questions about Sexual Abuse and Reporting
Bishop's letter in September, 2004 Western Kentucky Catholic: "Embracing a New Way of Thinking: Novus Habitus Mentis"  [Español]

 

Office of Safe Environment--Roman Catholic Diocese of Owensboro, Kentucky (2009)