Implementation of the Archdiocese’s Safe Environment Training Programs includes:
- Protecting God’s Children – For all parish volunteers, staff, and clergy, this is an Archdiocese requirement designed to educate adults on how to recognize the warning signs that might indicate that a child is being abused.
- Empowering God’s Children – For students in grades 1-10. An Archdiocesan program that includes teaching a culture of respect and faith, going beyond mere protection, to help children and young people understand their own sacredness, the sacredness of others, and how to seek help through their relationships with trusted adults.
- Performing Criminal Background Checks (CORI) – The CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) form is submitted annually by all volunteers aged 18 and older, staff, and clergy. (Fiscal year for the Archdiocese is July 1 – June 30). The CORI is a background screening tool, required by the Archdiocese, to secure the safety of our children, youth, elderly, and the disabled. For more information about CORI, contact the Office for Background Screening
Protecting God’s Children
We have a responsibility to keep all children and vulnerable adults safe. For this reason, we require all employees and volunteers to:
- Complete a CORI form each year as mandated by the Archdiocese of Boston, Child Advocacy Office (Fiscal year for the Archdiocese is July 1 – June 30).
- Receive and review the Archdiocesan Ministerial Code of Conduct.
- Participate in the Protecting God’s Children for Adults/Virtus training. The training is offered throughout the Archdiocese all year. Click here for a full Virtus/Protecting God’s Children Training Schedule (select Boston, MA Archdiocese).
Empowering God’s Children
- For students in grades 1 – 10 – Empowering God’s Children® (a program sanctioned by the Archdiocese of Boston) is an age-appropriate, comprehensive program where educators and parents can give children and youth the tools they need to protect themselves by teaching them about safety rights and boundaries. The Archdiocese of Boston is committed to safety and requires its parish communities to integrate this safety information into their programming.
- For Parents – Empowering God’s Children will be included in your child’s lesson plan. You are welcome to view an overview of the plan here. If you wish, you may opt your child out of the lesson. Opt-out forms can be obtained from the Office of Religious Education.