Safe Environment for Children Guidelines
As an organization operating under the Diocese of Charleston in the parish of St. Michael, the SMCS PTO must adhere to the Safe Environment for Children guidelines set forth by the Dioceses of Charleston.
- Saint Michael Parish is committed to ensuring a safe environment for children.
- Saint Michael Parish is committed to uphold the “National Charter for the Protection of Children & Young People” as established by the United States Council of Catholic Bishops.
- All adults who work with our children are trained in the “Protecting God’s Children” Program.
- All adults who work with our children are screened by law enforcement.
- All adults who work with our children acknowledge and accept the “Diocese of Charleston Volunteer Code of Conduct”.
- All adults who work with our children acknowledge and accept the “Diocese of Charleston Sexual Abuse Policy and Procedures”.
- Additional information regarding all Safe Environment Policies and Procedures can be accessed at the Diocese of Charleston Web Site at www.catholic-doc.org .
Safe Haven
- Go to http://charleston.CMGconnect.org to complete your new online safe environment curriculum.
- Create a new account by completing all the boxes. This includes address, primary parish, and how you participate at your parish or school.
- Start the Safe Haven - It's Up to You training curriculum.
- Download and print your certificate upon completion or, email it directly from the site to the office or school you are associated with.
Background Screening
This paperwork takes approximately 4 weeks to process. You must complete this paperwork carefully and in its entirety or it will be returned. If this paperwork is returned, this will dramatically slow the process and you will NOT be permitted to work or volunteer with children until this screening paperwork is approved by the Diocese.
Page 1: Complete all areas and be as descriptive as possible.
Page 2: Please read this Disclosure Regarding Background Investigation and then Sign and Date this page.
Page 3: Complete this page in its entirety. It gives the Diocese permission from you to complete the various checks. If this page is not complete, the process ends and the paperwork will be returned. DO NOT FORGET TO SIGN AND DATE THIS PAGE.
Page 1: Complete all areas and be as descriptive as possible.
Page 2: Please read this Disclosure Regarding Background Investigation and then Sign and Date this page.
Page 3: Complete this page in its entirety. It gives the Diocese permission from you to complete the various checks. If this page is not complete, the process ends and the paperwork will be returned. DO NOT FORGET TO SIGN AND DATE THIS PAGE.
Driver Screening & Authorization
If your position requires you to drive children in your own car, (this includes driving for field trips), please complete this page noting the liability requirements of your personal insurance and attach a copy of your driver’s license, insurance card and declaration page of your insurance policy showing your liability limits. DO NOT FORGET TO SIGN AND DATE THIS PAGE IF YOU ARE COMPLETING IT.
If your position does NOT require driving children, (this means you will NOT be able to drive for field trips or for any other reason), then you do NOT need a driver’s check, in which case, you do NOT need to complete this page.
If you cannot meet the requirements to be approved for driving, (meaning you don’t meet the liability limits, or you have an infraction against your name), then you may be ineligible to drive children until you either meet the liability limits or until your record is clear.
If your position does NOT require driving children, (this means you will NOT be able to drive for field trips or for any other reason), then you do NOT need a driver’s check, in which case, you do NOT need to complete this page.
If you cannot meet the requirements to be approved for driving, (meaning you don’t meet the liability limits, or you have an infraction against your name), then you may be ineligible to drive children until you either meet the liability limits or until your record is clear.
Credit Screening
If your position requires you to handle money for the parish or school, you must complete the Credit Check section. Please complete all areas on this page and be as descriptive as possible. If you do not handle money, you do not need to undergo a Credit Check, and you do not need to complete this page.
** ALL PTO OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS MUST COMPLETE THE CREDIT SCREENING**
** ALL PTO OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS MUST COMPLETE THE CREDIT SCREENING**