Archdiocese of Omaha
Safe Environment
Reviewed 08/01/07
The United States Catholic Conference of Bishops developed the Charter for the Protection of
Children and Young People during in June 2002 in Dallas Texas. This document was the first
united response by the bishops to the revelation by the secular media that priests had physically
and sexually abused minors over a period of many years. Article 1, 2, and 12 of the Charter
outlines the steps each Diocese needs to take in establishing a comprehensive safe environment
program. The Archdiocese of Omaha’s responses to these articles are listed below.
ARTICLE 1. Dioceses/eparchies are to reach out to victims/survivors and their families and demonstrate
a sincere commitment to their spiritual and emotional well‐being. The first obligation of the Church with
regard to the victims is for healing and reconciliation. Each diocese/eparchy is to continue its outreach to
every person who has been the victim of sexual abuse* as a minor by anyone in church service, whether
the abuse was recent or occurred many years in the past. This outreach may include provision of
counseling, spiritual assistance, support groups, and other social services agreed upon by the victim and
the diocese/eparch.
- The Victim Assistance services include immediate pastoral response to victims/families,
referrals to counseling, spiritual direction, support groups and other resources as needed.
- Regular outreach efforts include : Distributing Victim Assistance Coordinator information to parishes via pamphlets/ fliers. In‐services to parishes, schools and priest deanery / council meetings regarding Victim Assistance ministry.
ARTICLE 2. Dioceses/eparchies are to have policies and procedures in place to respond promptly to any
allegation where there is reason to believe that sexual abuse of a minor has occurred. Dioceses/eparchies
are to have a competent person or persons to coordinate assistance for the immediate pastoral care of
persons who report having been sexually abused as minors by clergy or other church personnel. The
procedures for those making a complaint are to be readily available in printed form in the principle
languages in which the liturgy is celebrated in the diocese/eparchy and be the subject of public
announcements at least annually.
- The full time Victim Assistance Coordinator position has been in existence since February 2004. The Victim Assistance services include immediate pastoral response to victims/families, referrals to counseling, spiritual direction and other resources as needed.
- Every Parish/ School has a Comprehensive Child Protection Policy book to assist them in promptly respond to an allegation
- Child Abuse Reporting Packet has been distributed to all parishes/ schools and is accessible
on the website.
Dioceses/eparchies are also to have a review board that functions as a confidential consultative body to the bishop/eparch. The majority of its members are to be lay persons not in the employ of the diocese/eparchy (see Norm 5 in Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons, 2002). This board is to advise the diocesan/eparchial bishop in his assessment of allegations of sexual abuse of minors and in his determination of a cleric’s suitability for ministry. - The Review Board was established in January 2003. This advisory board continues to meet on a regular basis.
ARTICLE 12. 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
Archdiocese of Omaha Safe Environment Reviewed 08/01/07
cooperatively with parents, civil authorities, educators, and community organizations to provide
education and training for children, youth, parents, ministers, educators, volunteers, and others about
ways to make and maintain a safe environment for children and young people. Dioceses/eparchies are to
make clear to clergy and all members of the community the standards of conduct for clergy and other
persons in positions of trust with regard to children.
- The Archdiocese Adult safe environment training , “Respecting all God’s People”, is a three hour training established in 2003. Since then over 11, 000 Staff, clergy and volunteers have been trained and certified. The Certification is valid for five years.
- The Archdiocese Adult Safe Environment recertification Program (using a DVD) was
established in 2006. The certification is also valid for five years. - The Circle of Grace is the Archdiocese’s safe environment program for children and youth. This program includes parent information.
