Safe Environment

SAFE ENVIRONMENT

The safety and well-being of our children is a top priority. At St. Michael Parish and School, we adhere to all of the requirements established by the Diocese of Columbus for the Protection of Children. You may find information on these requirements, as well as information on reporting complaints, on the Diocesan Website at Columbus Diocese Protecting God’s Children.

Our Safe Environment Program is designed for the protection of our children in every parish and school activity. Each of our parish and school employees has completed Safe Environment Procedures. With that in mind, ALL VOLUNTEERS 18 years of age and older who have “care, custody or control,” or regular supervised or unsupervised access to children, (Athletics, Children’s Liturgy of the Word, Choir, Clubs, Festival, Religious Education, School, Scouts, Youth Ministry, Altar Serving, etc.) must complete Safe Environment Procedures prior to the first day of volunteering.

VOLUNTEERING

Per Diocesan policy, all adult volunteers and employees that minister to or with children need to complete a Protecting God’s Children training course and have a Background Check completed and on-file with the Diocese of Columbus.

To volunteer with children or youth at St. Michael, you must fulfill these requirements:

• Complete a Volunteer Application and Code of Conduct
• Attend a Protecting God’s Children Class (schedule here)
• Complete a background check with electronic fingerprinting

For more information about volunteering:

• Volunteer FAQ
• Guidelines for Volunteers
• Harassment Policy
• Diocese of Columbus Safe Environment Manual

Thank you for your time and willingness to minister to the youth of St. Michael Parish and School through volunteerism. Once all requirements are met, you will be notified of your eligibility. Volunteering may not occur until you receive confirmation.

For more information, please contact our Safe Environment Coordinator, Bethany Cook

RECORDKEEPING

The Diocese receives and retains the background check results (both BCI and FBI) and Protecting God’s Children class attendance verification. This information is then made available to the individual parishes. Please note that criminal background reports are treated confidentially by both the Diocese and our parish.

Individuals with no break in volunteer service who intend to transfer between Diocesan Parishes can request that their information is transferred to St. Michael Parish.

HOW TO REPORT

We encourage anyone who is a victim or aware of any form of abuse to contact local law enforcement immediately and contact the Diocesan Victims’ Assistance Coordinator, Laura J. Lewis, M.A., L.P.C.C.-S. at 1-866-448-0217 (toll-free)
Help Is Available

Forms are also available at the Parish Office, or online at Complaint Form