Diocesan Safe Environment Program
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As disciples of the Lord Jesus, we are called to respect the dignity of all human life. The Church has a particular duty to protect the most vulnerable, especially children. Jesus said, “Whatever you do for one of these least brothers of mine, you do for me” (Matt. 25:40). Our faith in Christ compels us to work together to foster safe environments in our churches, schools, and other ministries.
Since the adoption of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2002, the Diocese has worked diligently to break the silence about abuse and put programs in place to provide safe environment education for both children and adults.
As Bishop of Peoria, | remain committed to promoting the safe environment programs we have in place to provide a safe haven for children and young people. | hereby approve and promulgate the following for use in this diocese:
Safe Haven It’s Up to You training through CMG Connect for all clergy, religious, and employees, as well as volunteers who work with children.
Sexual Harassment & the Church training through CMG Connect for all clergy, religious, and employees.
Circle of Grace safe environment curriculum for children in all Catholic schools and parish religious education programs in the diocese.
DCFS CANTS background check for all clergy, religious, and employees, as well as volunteers who work with children.
Digital Fingerprints with both FBI and Illinois State Police results for all clergy, religious, and school employees.
Electronic Criminal Background check through Selection.com for parish employees and all volunteers who work with children.
I would like to thank all who promote safe environments in our parishes, schools, and other ministries throughout the Diocese of Peoria. Let us renew our commitment to protecting the children and young people entrusted to our care. | ask for your ongoing prayers as we continue to work together to safeguard all of God’s people, especially those who are most vulnerable.
Peace and Prayers,
+ Most Reverend Louis Tylka
Bishop of Peoria
Contact Information
Should you suspect that a child has been abused or neglected, please contact these 24-hour hotline numbers:
Department of Children and Family Services: (800) 252-2873
Victim Assistance Contact Line: (309) 677-7082
Dr. Sharon Weiss vac@cdop.org
Director of Safe Environment: Dr. Jerry Sanderson: (309) 677-7024 jsanderson@cdop.org
Catholic Diocese of Peoria Policies & Procedures
to maintain a safe environment for all those we serve
Diocese of Peoria Statement Summarizing Misconduct Policies
Sexual Abuse Allegation Policy
Diócesis de Peoria Política de Acoso
Volunteer Code of Conduct Form
Training
Safe environment training for adult employees and volunteers who have contact with minors is a key element of the U.S. Bishops' Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The Diocese of Peoria has recently unveiled a new training program for adults. The new program, available at https://peoria.cmgconnect.org, is designed to help adults know what to look for in children that might indicate that they are victims of abuse and what behavior to look for in adults that might indicate abusive behavior with children. The program also covers diocesan safe environment policies, standards of conduct, and how to report suspected abuse or neglect. Completion of the training program is required for all personnel (employees and volunteers) of the parishes, schools, and agencies of the Diocese of Peoria who have contact with minors.
For more information, contact your local parish/school/institution.
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
Resources
Victim Assistance Program: A Compassionate Response to Sexual Abuse
Programa de Asistencia a las Victimas: Una Respuesta Compasiva al Abuso Sexual
Phone: (309) 671-1550 | Fax: (309) 671-1579 | Spalding Pastoral Center | 419 NE Madison Avenue, Peoria, IL. 61603