Safe Environment
As Christian adults, we have a moral and legal responsibility and are entrusted by God with the spiritual, emotional and physical well-being of minors and vulnerable adults. As minors and vulnerable adults participate in activities within or sponsored by our diocese, it is our commitment to provide an environment which is safe and nurturing. Therefore, the mission of the Safe Environment Program is:
To provide required education for all active lay employees, priests, religious, deacons, and those volunteers regularly involved with minors, and parents, as to the issue of abuse of children including the detection, prevention and reporting of child abuse.
To thoroughly screen and evaluate the background of all employees within the Diocese of Venice – clergy, religious and laity – and those volunteers who work with children and young people.
To hold all diocesan employees (clergy, religious and laity) and those volunteers who work with children and young people – to Christ-centered and professional codes of conduct.
To provide required training programs for children and young people in our Catholic schools and Parish religious education programs. This includes age appropriate materials pertaining to personal safety and information about improper touching and relationships. Children are not expected to be fully knowledgeable about child abuse or of the laws governing care of children but they need to know when they should seek assistance from a trusted adult.
An allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by anyone
should be reported immediately to:
Florida Department of Children and Families Child Abuse Hotline – 1-800-96abuse
(1-800-962-2873) or visit https://reportabuse.dcf.state.fl.us
If the alleged abuser is an employee or volunteer, also notify
Victim Assistance Coordinator Susan Benton at 941-416-6114.