The Child Protection Commission recognizes that no human responsibility is more sacred than protecting our young children and youth. The Commission fulfills this obligation through the education of all persons who come in contact with our children as to the importance and necessity of how to provide for them, a safe and protected environment. The Commission aims to create a community of protective support within our parish. The Commission’s additional responsibility is to guarantee that all persons who interact with our children follow all safe environment policies. This is done by complying with Church and State regulatory requirements, and also St. Bartholomew’s safety policies. Any deviation will be immediately dealt with in consult with the Pastor and proper authorities.

Responsibilities include:

• Be knowledgeable of parish, Church, and State reporting procedures and issues
• Complete a Protecting God’s Children training course
• Be aware of parish safe environment policies
• Be a parish resource on issues of child abuse and neglect
• Train all new staff and volunteers in the parish and remain as a liaison for them
• Provide consultation and support with child abuse, neglect, and/or reporting concerns
• Consult immediately with the Pastor whenever approached privately on child abuse, neglect, or reporting issues before acting on the information
• File appropriate forms
• Maintain a current membership in VIRTUS
• Maintain contact with the Office of Child Advocacy, as needed
• Be updated in mandating reporting issues and be able to respond appropriately
• Attend regional meetings as necessary
• Be available, as needed, for additional training sessions, programs, and meetings

Committee members:

• Complete Protecting God’s Children training programs
• Serve a term of no less than 2 years with renewal in consult with the Pastor