Mission

As Christian adults, we have a moral responsibility entrusted by God with the spiritual, emotional and physical well-being of minors and vulnerable adults. As they participate in activities within or sponsored by our diocese, it is our commitment to provide an environment which is safe and nurturing. Therefore, the mission of the Safe Environmet Program is:

- To thoroughly screen and evaluate the background of all diocesan employees - clergy, religious and laity - and those volunteers who work with children and young people

- To hold those who minister in the name of the Diocese of Venice - all diocesan employees (clergy, religious and laity) and those volunteers who work with children and young peope - to Christ-centered and professional codes of conduct.

- To provide education for all employees (clergy, religious and laity), those volunteers and others regularly involved with minors, and parents, as to the issue of abuse of children including the detection, prevention and reporting of child abuse.

- To provide training programs for children and young people in our Catholic schools. This includes age appropriate materials pertaining to personal safety and information about improper touching and relationships. Children in our religious education programs receive personal safety training as part of their regular public school curriculum as mandated by the State of Florida so additional training by the diocese is not required. Children are not expected to be fully knowledgeable about child abuse or of the laws governing care of children but they need to know when they should seek assistance froma trusted adult.