"Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." ~ Matthew 19:14

We are all aware of the grave problem of the abuse of children that exists within society.  Each of us must do all that we can to help protect those children entrusted to us.  This is especially important for those that work and minster in the Church.

As a critical part of our safe environment policy for young people, The Diocese of Pittsburgh asks all employees, Parish Ministers, and Volunteers to abide by the child protection requirements of both civil law and the U.S. Catholic Bishops' Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (Charter).  To comply with the requirements those actively involved in the parish community are asked to go online to the Diocesan website www.diopitt.org and begin by completing the Database Application.

In addition, completion of the Protecting God's Children program which can be done online through a link on the diocesan website.

Please contact the Parish Office (412-672-9641) and Safe Environment Coordinator, Kathleen Strangis, to review the program requirements and receive the necessary forms.

It is our responsibility and commitment to provide an environment which is safe and nurturing and to ensure that children in the care of the Church come to no harm of any kind.

As Christian adults, we have a moral and legal responsibility and are entrusted by God with the spiritual, emotional and physical well-being of children as they participate in activities within or sponsored by our Diocese.

We thank you for your time and willingness to serve.

• Everyone is a permissive reporter and is encouraged to make a report of suspected child abuse. Reporters of suspected child abuse fall into two categories. 
• Mandated reporters are those adults who come into direct contact with children in the course of their employment or volunteer of a regularly scheduled program or activity, who accepts responsibility for a child.
• The trigger to report is a reasonable suspicion that a child is being abused.  Permissive reporters may report anonymously; mandated reporters may not.

• Reports of suspected child abuse are to be made immediately.
• If the child is in imminent danger, call 911
• Reports may be made orally by phone or electronically
  • Oral reports are made to ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313 which is available 24/7
  • Electronic reports are made via CWIS Self-Service portal at www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis
• Inform the supervisor or person in charge of your program that a report was made

To report church-related abuse to the Diocese of Pittsburgh call: 
1-888-808-1235