Safe Environment training course available Aug. 1

Safe Environment protocols were put into place after the creation in 2002 of the USCCB’s Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

In accordance with the charter, the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City created policies and protocols for all churches and schools that addressed precautions for preventing child abuse, training to recognize abuse of children and vulnerable adults and how to report suspected or known abuse. Over the years, the program has grown to include important topics such as human trafficking, technology safety, and suicide prevention.

The protocol in the archdiocese and Oklahoma state law have made all adults mandatory reporters of known or suspected abuse. If someone suspects abuse of a child or vulnerable adult in a church setting, school, families, sports or any other environment, they must call the state Department of Human Services or law enforcement immediately. If the suspected abuse involves Church personnel or volunteers, contact the Archdiocesan Abuse Hotline at (405) 720-9878 to speak to a licensed counselor.      

Here are a few frequently asked questions related to the Safe Environment program in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City as prepared by Safe Environment Coordinator Page Hauser.

Q: How do I sign up to be a volunteer at my parish?
A: Contact your parish safe environment facilitator. They will provide instructions for becoming a volunteer and accessing the Safe and Sacred training portal.

Q: What are the requirements to become a volunteer?
A: The requirements include creating a user account in the Safe and Sacred system, submitting a criminal background check, submitting three references to the parish/school safe environment facilitator to be checked, submitting and adhering to all safe environment policies and completing a safe environment training course in the Safe and Sacred training portal. 

Q: How long does the training course take to complete?
A: Every user in the system is different, but we estimate one hour is needed to complete the background check and initial training course.

Q: How often is training required?
A: Annual training is required for safe environment.

Q: When does my training expire?
A: All current users in the system will expire on July 31. The new training course will be available Aug 1. All existing users are required to complete the new training course before Aug. 31.

Q: When will my background check expire and how do I renew it?
A: Background check renewals will occur every three years and will be aligned with the training cycle.  When a user is required to renew their background check, the system will automatically direct them to ISP (Integrated Screening Partners) to complete the renewal process when they log into the system. After completing the background check, the user will need to complete their annual training. 

Q: What happens if I do not complete my training in August?
A: All users are required to complete the new training course before Aug. 31 to continue as an active volunteer. If training is not completed, users will be suspended in the Safe Environment system and will not be eligible to volunteer. Suspended users may contact their local safe environment facilitator if they wish to become active volunteers again. They will be required to complete all safe environment protocols before becoming eligible to volunteer.   

Q: What happens if I have forgotten my username or password on the Safe and Sacred website?
A: The Safe and Sacred landing page has a link to click if you have forgotten your username or password.

Q: Where can I find the list of priests in the archdiocese with substantiated allegations of abuse of a minor?
A: The list can be found along with the comprehensive report at archokc.org/clergyabuse.

Q: Where do I find more information?
A: More information on the Safe Environment Protocol in the archdiocese at archokc.org/safe-environment. Access the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ safe environment website at usccb.org/topics/catholic-safeguards.