Safe Environment

The Catholic Church Is Committed to the Safety of Children.

St. Patrick's Parish participates in the Safe Environment Program of the Grand Island Diocese.

• Staff and volunteers receive continuing education and agree to a background screening.
• Children and youth receive continuing education each year.

For more information contact St. Patrick's Safe Environment Coordinators:

• Joan Falcon DRE (K-6th)
• Pat Mertz (Pastoral Minister)

They may be reached at (308) 254-2828.

If you, or someone you know, has suffered abuse by a cleric, church employee or volunteer please report the matter to a Victim Assistance Coordinators:

• Beth Heidt Ph. D.-(308) 382-6565 ext. 212/1-800- 652-2229 cpo@gidiocese.org
• Cheryl Albright M.S.-(308) 382-6565 calbright@gidiocese.org
  
• Fr. C. P. Varghese, Pat, or Joan (308) 254-2828

In addition, whether the abuse takes place at church or outside of church:

• The DOVES Program                 (866) 95-DOVES
• Local law enforcement

           Sidney Police Dept.                  (308) 254-5515

          Sheriff Dept.                                 (308) 254-2922

(Click here to access all child/youth Safe Environment Resources for continuing education throughout the Faith Formation year.

These free resources are provided by our Grand Island Diocesan Child Protection Office.

​Churches, schools, and youth organizations must ensure that children and youth who worship, study, or participate in activities sponsored by a parish can do so in the safest and most secure setting possible. Parents and caretakers have the right to ask these institutions if they meet the requirements of the Charter before they allow their children to become involved with them.

An effective safe environment program will have the following components:

• A code of conduct and criminal background check for clergy and for any other paid personnel and volunteers in positions of trust who have regular contact with children and young people.
• Training for all adults who work with children that consists of:

• Signs an adult may see in a child who is abused
• Signs an adult may see in a person who abuses children
• What actions an adult should take when they believe child abuse of any kind may be occurring
• The laws and policies regarding the reporting of child abuse

A training program for children that includes age appropriate materials pertaining to personal safety that conforms to Catholic teachings.

Below you will find three valuable videos connected to Safe Environment Training.

Sexual Grooming v Wholesome Relationship Development from Monica Applewhite on Vimeo.