Parish Religious Ed Safe Environment Requirements

October 28, 2015

TO: All Pastors and Directors/Coordinators of Religious Education
FROM: Joan Valk
SUBJECT: Safe Environment Training 2015-2016
DATE: October 27, 2015

Safe Environment Training for Religious Education Students 2015-2016
Beginning last year we asked that you present to Grade 1, Lesson 1 for K-2 and Lesson 2 for Grades 3-5. We will continue presenting these Lessons to these two grades of Religious Ed.
Lessons and all other material can be found at www.chancery.rcdop.org. Click "Child Protection" in the upper ribbon and all documents will be listed, including Spanish translations.
As always:

Communicate about the lessons with all 1^st and 4^th grade parents. This can be done via letter (see "Religious Education Teaching Touching Safety Overview [English-Spanish]")or present an onsite meeting/training of the parents.

Allow Parents to request that their child(ren) not participate in the Teaching Touching Safety training. Please use the Opt Out Form (English - Spanish) . Send this form to the parents with the Teaching Touching Safety Overview. The Opt Out form is the only paperwork that needs a parent's signature. To comply with USCCB audit requirements, these forms must be kept on file at the parish with other Child Protection Files.

Make arrangements for children who are considered "opt outs" to go to another classroom while the Teaching Touching Safety training is being conducted.

Complete the Diocesan Teaching Touching Safety Recording Form after the lesson has been presented indicating how many students were trained, absent and opted out. The form is retained on file at the parish and a copy must be sent to the Diocesan Child Protection Office so the USCCB audit documents can be completed.

Please complete the lessons BEFORE Easter, if possible.

If you do not have specifically 1 ^st or 4 ^th graders, please call me for special Lessons. Also, if anyone has questions, etc., please call me at 973-777-8818, ext. 277.

Thank you for your cooperation and best wishes for a great year ahead!

Joan Valk
Director Human Resources / Child Protection