Since 2002, the archdiocesan Safe Environment Program has included efforts to keep children safe from abuse.

The Safe Environment Program includes mandatory training workshops, called "Protecting God's Children," for all employees and volunteers -- clergy, religious and laypeople -- who work with or near children or youth on a regular basis. They also undergo a state criminal record and child abuse/neglect check and sign an acknowledgement to follow the archdiocese's Code of Ethical Conduct.

Employees or volunteers who have lived outside of Missouri at any time over the last five years undergo a one-time national background check. Illinois residents have Illinois and Missouri background checks performed every even-numbered year.

Children in Catholic schools and Parish Schools of Religion participate in age-appropriate Safe Touch programs to learn how to protect themselves from being abused.

For more information on the Safe Environment Program, contact director Sandra Price at (314) 792-7271 or email[email protected], or visit www.archstl.org/sep.