Louisiana Safe Environment Coordinators
Calendar for Safe Environment Training
USCCB (OCYP) Resources for April Child Abuse Prevention Month
Parental Controls Product Guide
Take 25 Internet Dangers
Sexting Prevention
Connect Safely: Tips to Prevent Sexting
The 10 Commandments of Internet Behavior
Watch the Stay Informed, Stay Involved Public Service Announcement
Stay Informed, Stay Involved
Electronic Communication Safety For Parents & Children
Electronic communication is a gift and accentuates the capability of humankind
toward advancement. It is imperative; however, that we look beyond what we can
merely do with technologically. We are created by God to love and serve God
and each other. We must ask ourselves the question how do we use our
technological resources to show respect for the people God is sending into our
lives today?
Todays youth have an advantage in the utilization of the computer, cell
phones, social networking sites, and other means of electronic communication
because the are growing up using these every day. What we as adults are challenged
to teach our young people is how to relate to each other as human beings created
in the image of a loving God. Pope Benedict XVI, in his message for the 41st
World Communications Day, May 2007, tells us that, Above all, the Church
desires to share a vision of human dignity that is central to all worthy human
communication, Seeing with the eyes of Christ, I can give to others much
more than their outward necessities; I can give them the look of love, which
they crave.
Cyberbulling, sexting, games, etc. which are demeaning are all very much a
part of our childrens lives today. The Youth Internet Safety Survey
(YISS) tells us that there is a 50% increase in online harassment of our
young people and that one in 11, or 9% of our youth said they have been harassed
on line. Parents, you have the right and responsibility, to check the websites
your children are spending time on and check their cell phones for pictures,
texts, and telephone numbers. Encourage your children to speak to you or another
trusted adult if they are or someone they know is being bullied, harassed, or
sought out while on line or through another means of social networking.
During the month of April we have invited the Louisiana Attorney Generals
Office Cyber Crime Unit to speak in our schools to our parents and students.
If you would like a presentation for your parish or school, please contact the
Archdiocesan Safe Environment Office, (504)861-6278, for information.
Electronic communication tools are a tremendous source of information; unfortunately
not all of it is good. They are incredible tools for connecting us with friends
and relatives; they also invite into our lives strangers who are looking for
ways to victimize us, especially our children and youth.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. During the month, please take time to
read information on how to keep your children safe online and become more knowledgeable
of the sites your children are visiting and the people with whom they are communicating.
Children are a gift from God to our families, our Church, our society. Jesus
encouraged others to allow the children to come to him. It is up to us, as adult
members of the Catholic Church, to ask questions of our children in relation
to who they communicate with online and in person. We have a moral obligation
to teach children to care for themselves and other people.
As we begin the Easter Season, let us pray for the graces we need to see with
the eyes of Christ and love with the heart of Christ.
For further information, please visit the sites listed below or call:
Sr. Mary Ellen Wheelahan, O. Carm.
Safe Environment Coordinator
Archdiocese of New Orleans
(504)861-6278 or srmwheelahan@archdiocese-no.org
Click here to read the Bishops’ charter, 'Promise to Protect, Pledge to Heal: Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People'
Safe Environment Coordinator
In the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the Catholic bishops of the United
States, address their commitment to working with parents, educators, civil authorities, and various organizations in the protection of children and youth in our care.
In response to our call to accountability the Archdiocese of New Orleans provides training for children, clergy, religious, and laity (volunteers, and employees) in the prevention of and recognition of child abuse. The Safe Environment Coordinator is responsible for the training of adults who have regular contact with minors in our parishes, schools, and organizations. Adults learn the responsibilities of a mandated reporter, how to report alleged child abuse, and to recognize signs and symptoms of abuse. This training is inclusive of background screening.
Children and youth of the archdiocese are taught their identity, created in the image of God. Training teaches personal safety skills, recognition of possible abusive relationships, and the importance of identifying trusted adults in their lives.
The Safe Environment coordinator is a resource person at the disposal of parishes, schools, and organizations in the area of child abuse and the prevention of abuse. The coordinator works with all archdiocesan entities to assure compliance to the Charter.
Safe Environment Coordinator
Sr. Mary Ellen Wheelahan, O. Carm.
Archdiocese of New Orleans
7887 Walmsley Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70125
(504) 861 - 6278
srmwheelahan@archdiocese-no.org
K - 5th Grade Lessons
PreK-2 Safe Environment
Youth Journal
Administrators Report 2010-2011
Abuse and Neglect Policy
Adult Training Form July 1, 2010-June 30, 2011
Parent Refusal Form 2009-2010
Record of Classes Taught 2009-2010
Calendar for Safe Environment Training
Background Screening Authorization Form
Introduction to Praesidium, FSE Risk Management, and Austin Computing Companies
Principles of Ethics and Integrity in Ministry
PreK-2 Safe Environment
Grades 3-6 Safe Environment
Grades 7-8 Safe Environment
Grades 9-12 Safe Environment
Employee Volunteer Safe Environment
Parents Safe Environment
SUMMARY OF LOUISIANA CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT REPORTING LAW
Questionnaire for Prospective Employees Volunteers
Safe Environment Adult Training