Safe Environment - Child & Youth Protection

Everything we do as "Church" must reflect our commitment to respect life in all situations, by providing a secure and sacred space that safeguards and promotes human dignity; by fostering the development of each individual; and by creating and maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all who come to us seeking an experience of the Holy Presence of God.

The Safe Environment Program of the Diocese of Raleigh, and within our St. Gabriel Community, strives to empower parishes, schools, families, and individuals to create and foster safe and healthy environments for children and youth, in all aspects of their lives.

All St. Gabriel employees, volunteers, catechists and users of our space are required to attend, in person, a Safe Environment Workshop (approved by the Diocese of Raleigh); as well as undergo a criminal background check AND personnel reference checks, before they begin working with our parish children. The main idea behind the course is the recognition of child abuse and neglect AND the proper protocols, if they believe abuse or misconduct to have occurred.

Our parish community of St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother abides by all of the Diocese of Raleigh's Child and Youth Protection Policies. We require that all parents and others working with our children and youth sign a “Personal Information Sheet” declaring that they have never been accused or convicted of child abuse. Anyone who refuses to do this will not be permitted to be on the church premises when children are present. We also expect all catechists and staff to exercise vigilance and care, at all times, to ensure the children’s safety and security. We ask, and have received, full cooperation from parents in this essential matter.

Catechists will assure children from time to time that their safety and security is very important; and the children are encouraged to confide in a trusted adult if somebody makes them feel unsafe.

Required Safe Environment Workshop Approved by the Diocese of Raleigh

Participation in a similar workshop provided by any other Catholic Diocese or any other organization is not recognized. The approved workshops are periodically offered in English and Spanish. Child and Youth Protection Certification is valid for five years, after which time you must retake the Safe Environment Workshop, in person. Contact Sr. Angie for details concerning certification/re-certification. If you cannot attend the Safe Environment Workshops hosted by St. Gabriel’s, please see Diocesan Calendar of Safe Environment Workshops at other parishes.

Criminal Background Check Form

Please download and print the Diocese of Raleigh Application for Volunteers form, and return it to Sr. Angie at the St. Gabriel parish office.
Por favor, descarga e imprima el Verificación de Antecedentes y devolver a Sr. Angie en la oficina de la parroquia para más procesamiento.

Child and Youth Protection Policy

Following the scandalous revelations of abuse of children and youth by some clergy and church workers in recent years, all Catholic Dioceses have made great efforts to ensure safety and security for all children and youth while in the care of Church personnel. The links below contain additional information:

• Vatican Web Site - Abuse of Minors: The Church's Response 
• Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People
• Policies and Procedures for the Protection of Young People
• Code of Conduct for Church Personnel in the Diocese of Raleigh
• Report Suspected Abuse
• Ten Points for Protecting Children - from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
• 2017 Annual Report on the Implementation of the "Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People" - May 2018
• Resources for Families, Schools and Parishes
• FAQs on Child and Youth Protection