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 that is safe and nurturing. The mission of the Safe Environment Program is to:
Require education for all active lay employees, priests, religious, deacons, and volunteers who work with minors and their families. Training specifically addresses the detection, prevention, and reporting of abuse in children and other vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, compromised, or infirm.
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.
Hold accountable all diocesan employees (clergy, religious, and laity) and those volunteers who work with children and young people – to Christ-centered, moral, and professional codes of conduct.
Training programs for children and young people in our Catholic schools, Parishes, and religious education programs. This includes age-appropriate materials about personal safety, improper touching and relationships. Children are not expected to be fully knowledgeable about child abuse or of the laws governing the care of children, but 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.
How to Get Started with Background Screening & Safe Enviornment Training Certification
The Diocese of Venice engages First Advantage as the provider of fingerprinting, criminal background screening, & data management services.
All lay employees, priests, religious, deacons and those volunteers working with children and vulnerable adults are required to complete Background Screening and Safe Environment Training Certification PRIOR to beginning work or as an active volunteer.
All employees and those volunteers working with children and vulnerable adults are required to complete Background Re-Screening every 5 years from their initial screening.
Re-certification for online Safe Environment Training (SET) coincides with the five (5) year background re-screening for all lay employees, priests, religious, deacons and active volunteers who work with children and vulnerable adults.