Prevention

Article 12 of the USCCB's Charter for the Protection of Children and Youth states:

"Dioceses will establish "safe environment" programs which the diocesan bishop deems to be in accord with Catholic moral principles. They will be conducted 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."  
 

The Archdiocese of Omaha goes beyond compliance of this mandate by implementing excellent adult and youth training programs, requiring background checks of those who have regular contact with children and youth, and having clear safe environment policies and guidelines. 
 

The archdiocese also has an active antipornography task force to help adults and youth stay technologically safe. The task force provides: 

• Preventive and pastoral materials
• Catholic recovery groups for those struggling with sexual integrity
• Educational offerings  

Safe Environment Training:

If you are planning to volunteer at the school or parish this upcoming school year, please plan ahead and complete Safe Environment Training as soon as possible. You'll be glad you did! This certification is required for anyone who intends to interact with parish youth in any capacity.

• Safe Environment Training is a 2 hour session created to teach adults who work with children how to recognize and report abuse, neglect, grooming, human trafficking, etc. 
• Safe Environment Certification is required by the Archdiocese of Omaha. 

• All school and parish staff, classroom or lunchroom volunteers, field trip chaperones, coaches, etc. must be Safe Environment certified before working or volunteering with parish youth. 
• The class itself is 2 hours, a background check is included, and the certification lasts 6 years. After 6 years, recertification is completed online. Background checks are automatically repeated every 2 years.

To sign up for a class, click the link here : https://archomaha.org/safe-environment/

• Scroll all the way down, and you’ll find a link to the registration portal: CMG Connect. 
• Once you create an account, you will be able to register for a Live Training Session. 
• We don’t currently offer training sessions at St. Columbkille, but there are sessions offered all across the metro. 

For more information about Safe Environment Training, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at 402-339-8706.