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?

Today’s 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 children’s 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 General’s 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