Safe Environment Program
Safe Environment Program
Connie Istas
972-423-5600 ext. 226
cistas@stmarkplano.org
As a new staff member, minister, or volunteer you must pick up a Safe Environment packet from the St. Mark Parish Office, St. Mark Catholic School or St. Mark Faith Formation Office. Follow the instructions included in the packet and attend one training session. (See Schedule)
Once cleared you must complete an annual update training.
(* Scroll down for Annual/Update Training*)
The Safe Environment Program requires that all New staff or volunteers who work with minors or vulnerable adults participate in the "Family of Faith" training. This training will consist of viewing a video and a presentation on recongizing, responding, and reporting abuse. This training helps all of us maintain a high level of awareness and vigilance regarding the risks that may occur in our parish.
This training will satisfy the "annual" training requirement for the year.
Training will be held at John Paul II High School located at the northeast corner of Coit Road and Plano Parkway. Enter through the main entrance, just to the left of the flag poles. You will need to ring the buzzer to enter.
Watch the website and bulletin for upcoming dates and other locations.
School Parents:
If you plan on accompanying your child on field trips throughout the year, YOU HAVE TO BE SCREENED AND CLEARED THROUGH THE SAFE ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM - NO EXCEPTIONS.
To become a CLEARED adult, you must do ALL of the following:
2. Read the Safe Environment Booklet
3. Signed Acknowledgement Form
4. Return the completed Screening Form
5. Set up and complete and Interview. Call the Ministry you will be volunteering for to set up the appointment.
6. Return all the above in a large white Personal and Confidential Envelope
7. Attend on of the Training Sessions.
If you have volunteered for St. Mark the Evangelist in the past, and previously completed the above items, you need only complete an updated Safe Environment training.
Annual/Updated Training
Must be completed each year:
* Click on Safe Environment
* On the left hand side, click Update Training
* Complete any one (1) of the programs listed
We will accept new and annual training from other parishes in the Diocese as long as documentation is provided. Occasionally we also offer special presentations that will also count toward annual/updated training. Watch the bulletin and website for these opportunities.
Screening Forms on-line
The Need for a Safe Environment Program
Abuse strikes every age and social background. Often it occurs in settings where children or youth completely trust adults - in homes, schools, camps, athletic and park programs, and most sadly the Church.
Abuse can happen anywhere. We have a profound moral obligation to reduce the possiblity to abuse ever occuring here at St. Mark the Evangelist.
In order to protect and safeguard the children, youth, and vulnerable adults of our parish and school, the Community of St. Mark has taken positive steps to provide a safer and more secure environment for our children.
Abuse can happen anywhere. We have a profound moral obligation to reduce the possiblity to abuse ever occuring here at St. Mark the Evangelist.
In order to protect and safeguard the children, youth, and vulnerable adults of our parish and school, the Community of St. Mark has taken positive steps to provide a safer and more secure environment for our children.
What does this Program Mean to You?
Programs such as these are a normal part of our school system. Teachers in the PISD and the Diocese of Dallas are screened on a regular basis prior to working with children. St. Mark has initiated a program to reduce the risk and liability of child abuse.
All screening will remain confidential and the final decision whether or not you, as an applicant, will be accepted to work with our children, youth, and vulnerable adults, shall be based on information from the criminal background history, interview process and reference checks.
All volunteers will be trained to recognize possible signs of child abuse, and how to report potential abuse.
Please remember that this process is for the protection of everyone in our parish. We need your help in ensuring their safety.
In addition, this process will protect church staff and volunteer workers from potential allegations of abuse.
All screening will remain confidential and the final decision whether or not you, as an applicant, will be accepted to work with our children, youth, and vulnerable adults, shall be based on information from the criminal background history, interview process and reference checks.
All volunteers will be trained to recognize possible signs of child abuse, and how to report potential abuse.
Please remember that this process is for the protection of everyone in our parish. We need your help in ensuring their safety.
In addition, this process will protect church staff and volunteer workers from potential allegations of abuse.
“Diocese of Dallas Safe Environment Program for Schools and Parishes” and "Diocese of Dallas Policy on Sexual Misconduct" must be read and understood by each volunteer and the Acknowledgement Form must be signed and returned to the office. The acknowledgment form is the last page of the “Diocese of Dallas Safe Environment Program for Schools and Parishes” document and is also available below. Only one signed Acknowledgement Form document should be returned.
Diocese of Dallas Safe Environment Program for Schools and Parishes
Diocese of Dallas Policy on Sexual Misconduct
Acknowledgement Form
Diocese of Dallas Safe Environment Program for Schools and Parishes
Diocese of Dallas Policy on Sexual Misconduct
Acknowledgement Form
Safe Environment Training Schedule for New Staff or Volunteers