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Safe Environment

The Office of Safe Environment of the Diocese of Fort Worth manages the Safe Environment training programs in accordance with the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Youth. The training sessions for preschoolers through adults offer instruction in self-protection and the protection of children, youth and vulnerable adults. Each parish and school has a dedicated Safe Environment Coordinator who assists clergy, staff and volunteers with program registration, training delivery and re-certification.

If you are a volunteer attempting to complete your Safe Environment Training and have a question, please contact your local (parish or school) Safe Environment Coordinator. To quickly find your parish or school, click here.

Clergy with Credible Allegations

Reporting Abuse or Concern
(Emergency? Dial 911)

Awareness Sessions
(Adult & Teen Training)

Requirements
(Employment & Volunteering)

Victims' Assistance

Empowering God’s Children®

SEC Resources
(Parish Safe Environment Champions)

Policies, Guidelines & Forms

Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative

Promise to Protect, Pledge to Heal

Learn more about the United States Catholic Church’s commitment to creating a safe environment through its Promise to Protect and Pledge to Heal. Click on the sections below to expand them and view more information.

Training Everyone

We train everyone to prevent and report abuse.

2,400,627 adults trained
4,484,609 children trained

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Providing Outreach

We provide outreach to those abused.

195 U.S. dioceses/eparchies have a victim assistance coordinator to obtain assistance and provide support for those abused.

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Requiring Background Checks

We require background checks.

2,390,956 background checks for clerics, employees and volunteers.

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Reporting Allegations

We report all allegations.

100% of U.S. dioceses/eparchies require allegations of sexual abuse to be reported to public authorities. The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People is a comprehensive set of procedures originally established by the USCCB in June 2002 for addressing allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy. The Charter also includes guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability, and prevention of future acts of abuse.

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Working with Law Enforcement

We work with law enforcement.

The first obligation of the Church with regard to victims is for healing and reconciliation. Dioceses and eparchies continue to reach out to every person who has been a victim of sexual abuse as a minor by anyone in church service, whether that abuse is recent or occurred in the past.

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