SAFE ENVIRONMENT POLICY

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SAFE ENVIRONMENT

Click the button below to begin or renew your clearances.
The access code is PROTECT. This code is needed to create a username and password.
DIOPITT.ORG/PARISH-VOLUNTEERS
- We are overjoyed that you want to volunteer! The time you contribute as a volunteer is greatly valued. However, before beginning to volunteer, we need you to understand the Safe Environment Policy and complete the necessary steps to become Safe Environment compliant.
  
  If you have any questions, please contact Chris Patsch at [email protected] or (724) 266-6565
  
  PURPOSE:
  The Safe Environment Policy was created to take reasonable measures to assure that all staff and volunteers over 18 are committed to providing a safe environment for children and youth, are capable of identifying and preventing abuse of children, and have no personal history of behavior that would be a threat to children. This policy applies to all staff and volunteers over the age of 18. Church personnel is defined as all adult persons (those 18 years of age or older), whether clergy, members of consecrated life, or laity, who, as employees or volunteers, act in the name of the Church under the auspices of the Diocese of Pittsburgh or one of its parishes.

STEPS TO BECOME SAFE ENVIRONMENT COMPLIANT

1. Diocesan Database and PA Criminal Record Check

New Users: Please click HERE to access the online application.
Exsisting Users: Please click HERE to access the online application.

The access code is protect. This code is needed to create a username and password.
The application will walk you through all of the steps needed to be fully safe environment compliant.

- 2. PA Child Abuse History Clearance
  
  You will be asked to list the permanent places you have lived and people whom you have lived with since 1975. You do not need to include college addresses or roommates. If a person you have lived with is now deceased, leave the age blank. This clearance will need to be renewed every 5 years. You can print the registration at the end to keep for your records.
  
  Online Application: Please click HERE to access the online application.
  Once on the PA Child Welfare Information Solution website, follow these steps to complete the application:
  Click on CREATE INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNT
  Enter a Keystone ID – this is your user name
  After completing the first page, you will receive an email with a temporary password. Follow the instructions to continue completing the application.
  Paper Application: If you would like to complete the paper & release forms, please
  PAPER FORM CLICK HERE RELEASE FORM CLICK HERE
  You can type directly on the Child Abuse Application. You will need to print out the application and the consent/release form, sign the form and the consent release and return to your Safe Environment Coordinator. The church pays the processing fee.
- 3. Protecting God’s Children Workshop
  
  This is a workshop/training on child sexual abuse. To complete this requirement you can complete the training online or attend a 3-hour workshop.
  
  Online training: If you choose to complete the training online, please click HERE
  The following are answers to some registration questions:
  
  Select your organization: Pittsburgh, PA (Diocese)
  
  Access Code: protect
  
  Primary location: St Luke the Evangelist Parish (Sewickley)
  
  Please select the session you wish to attend: Scroll to the bottom to click Protecting God’s Children for Adults (Online Training). The online training is available in English and Spanish.
  
  Trauma Sensitive Alternative: For persons with a history of sexual abuse, watching the videos may cause a resurgence of memories and strong emotions that some find detrimental to their personal healing. With that in mind, you can request a written trauma sensitive version by calling or emailing: Laetitia Bridges, Director of Victim Assistance at (412) 456-3093 ext. 3712 or [email protected]. (When requesting this training, you will not be asked about your personal history.)
- 4. FBI fingerprints or Fingerprint Waiver
  
  Fingerprinting: If you have lived in the state of Pennsylvania for less than 10 consecutive years, you will need to be fingerprinted. Please complete the following steps:
  
  Register – Complete the online registration and set-up an appointment to be fingerprinted.
  The Service Code to get started is 1KG6ZJ
  
  CLICK TO REGISTER FOR FINGERPRINTING
  
  Payment – There will be a fee of approximately $22.60. You can pay this at the registration location. They accept credit cards (name on the credit card must match the name on the registration), money order or business check. You can submit the receipt for payment to me (send in, drop off or email), and the church will send you a reimbursement check.
  
  Photo Identification – You will choose a type of identification during the registration process. This id must be provided at the fingerprint location.
  
  Locations – During the registration process, you will be able to see and select a location that is convenient for you.
  
  Results – Once you receive your results/letter, please provide a copy to your Safe Environment Coordinator.
  
  Waiver: If you have lived in the state of Pennsylvania for more than 10 consecutive years, please click HERE for the Waiver Form. Please print the form, sign it and return to your Safe Environment Coordinator.
- 5. Mandated Reporting
  
  This training is required for any volunteer that has direct interaction with children as well as other specific volunteer roles within the church. If you are unsure if you need to complete this training, see Appendix D or contact your Safe Environment Coordinator.
  
  Online Training: To complete the 3-4 hour on-line training click HERE
  On the website click on the Registration tab at the top to register as a new user.
  
  Attend a workshop: To attend a 3 hour live training class, click HERE to find the listing of upcoming classes in the area.