Safe Environment

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People is a comprehensive set of procedures originally established to address allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy. The Charter mandates the creation of a permanent USCCB Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People, the National Review Board, and the Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection. The Charter also includes guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability, and prevention of future acts of abuse. It was revised in 2005, 2011, and 2018.

Article 12 of the Charter states:

Dioceses/eparchies are to maintain “safe environment” programs which the
diocesan/eparchial bishop deems to be in accord with Catholic moral principles. They are to be conducted cooperatively with parents, civil authorities, educators, and community organizations to provide education and training for minors, parents, ministers, employees, volunteers, and others about ways to sustain and foster a safe environment for minors. Dioceses/eparchies are to make clear to clergy and all members of the community the standards of conduct for clergy and other persons with regard to their contact with minors.

The Diocese of Covington has chosen to use the VIRTUS Safe Environment Programs to train both our children and adults. VIRTUS is the brand name that identifies best practice programs designed to help prevent wrongdoing and promote “right doing” within religious organizations. The VIRTUS programs empower organizations and people to better control risk and improve the lives of all those who interact with the church.

VIRTUS- Empowering God’s Children

As adults, we are ultimately responsible for the safety and welfare of the children and youth in our lives. Building on this fact, the EGC program equips children with the tools they need to help them learn to navigate a world that is ever changing.  Through age-appropriate lessons all children in Diocesan schools and religious education programs are taught about creating boundaries and respecting other’s boundaries, recognizing safe and unsafe behaviors, and how to identify and have healthy relationships.

VIRTUS – Protecting God’s Children

This program provides adults with awareness, education and training about the nature and scope of the issue of child abuse. Focus is on identifying predatory grooming behaviors, handling a disclosure of abuse and reporting it.

Those who have been sexually abused by Diocesan personnel should contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator Julie Feinauer for counseling resources.

859-392-1515 or at [email protected]