Safe Environment

Our Lady of Joy Safe Environment Coordinators:
Laura Hicks lhicks@oloj.org
Cliff McGraw cmcgraw719@aol.com

The Diocese of Phoenix and Our Lady of Joy is committed to providing a safe environment where we value and honor every individual as created in the image and likeness of God. Ideally no minor will ever be abused; these policies are intended to ensure this ideal. The Diocese of Phoenix is dedicated to upholding a culture of safety and the protection of all of God’s children from abuse. Relationships among people are the foundation of ministry within the Catholic Church. Defining healthy boundaries and policies to maintain safe environments are not meant to undermine the importance of personal contact or the ministerial role in any way. Rather, they are meant to assist all employees and volunteers within the Diocese of Phoenix to minister safely with consistent written standards which will safeguard all minors, the well being of the community, and the integrity of the Catholic Church.

To volunteer at Our Lady of Joy all volunteers must be in
compliance with the Diocese Safe Environment Program.

To do this you must:
-Complete the Diocesan Screening Form
-Attend annual training classes
-Undergo a criminal background check and reference check
-Interview with a staff member
-Sign a Code of Ethics agreement form

We are a parish family and as such, we look out for each other; we depend on each other to help us with safeguarding those entrusted to us by God. We value you and your time as well. What you have to offer our children and vulnerable adults is an invaluable service to this parish. It says a great deal about you as an adult volunteer – that you are willing to do what is necessary to insure the safety of the most vulnerable members of our parish.
We offer regularly scheduled Safe Environment Classes at Our Lady of Joy.   Below are brief descriptions of classes offered.  More information on Safe Environment and called to protect may be found on the Phoenix Diocese website www.diocesephoenix.org.

Called to Protect™ for Parents and Families
In this program parents learn myths and facts about sexual abuse and sexual offenders. They learn detailed warning signs to watch for in adults who may abuse, and how to identify children who may have been abused. Building on the belief that parents are the first and primary teachers of their children, Called to Protect™ gives parents and families the tools they need to keep their children safe.

Called to Protect for Ministries
In this program Clergy, employees, and volunteers learn myths and facts about sexual abuse and sexual offenders. They learn detailed warning signs to watch for in adults who may abuse, and how to identify children who may have been abused. Clergy, employees, and volunteers learn specific steps to take in screening, guidelines for interaction, monitoring, training and responding. To keep ministries safe, standards must be met in parishes, schools, youth events,—anywhere there are children.

Called to Protect™ for Youth
This program—the first of its kind—teaches youth grades 6th -12th about their physical, emotional, and behavioral boundaries and how to respond if someone tries to violate them. Youth learn why it can be difficult to report abuse that has occurred to them or someone they know. It also teaches them words to say if they, or someone they know, are being abused. Parent/ guardian permission is required for attendance of these sessions.