Safe Environment
We, the Catholic faithful of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, share responsibility for the life and mission of the Church. Each of us is called to celebrate, promote and when necessary to defend the life and dignity of every person. This responsibility requires that together and individually we treat everyone with respect, do what we can to see that harm is never brought to others, especially minors and vulnerable adults, and seek to bring healing for those who have been harmed. To help achieve this, the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City has taken the following steps:
For more information on Archdiocesan Safe Environment policies please follow the link below.
- Appointed a Victims Assistance Coordinator to offer immediate assistance to victims.
- Adopted a Code of Conduct.
- Adopted and implemented age appropriate safe environment programs for the education of children, youth and adults.
- Established a policy requiring criminal background checks of all clergy and religious, those in formation for the priesthood or permanent diaconate, all church employees and volunteers who have regular contact with minors.
For more information on Archdiocesan Safe Environment policies please follow the link below.
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Circle of Grace
Through the Circle of Grace program, children and youth are taught to identify and maintain appropriate physical, emotional, spiritual and sexual boundaries; recognize when boundary violations are about to occur; and demonstrate how to take action when boundaries are threatened or violated. Along with a strong parent component, the program teaches children that God is with them at all times, especially in difficult situations. Goals and Objectives PROGRAM GOAL
The goal of the Circle of Grace program is to educate and empower children and young people to actively participate in a safe environment for themselves and others. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES Children/young people will understand they are created by God and live in the love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. • God is "present" in everyone's Circle of Grace. Children/young people will be able to describe the Circle of Grace which God gives each of us. • God is “present” because He desires a relationship with us. Children/young people will be able to identify and maintain appropriate physical, emotional, spiritual and sexual boundaries. • God helps us know what belongs in our Circle of Grace. Children/young people will be able to identify all types of boundary violations. • God helps us know what does not belong in our Circle of Grace Children/young people will demonstrate how to take action if any boundary is threatened or violated. • God helps us know when to ask for help from someone who we trust. |
Reporting Abuse
To Report Known or Suspected Neglect or Abuse, Call the Department of Human Services Statewide Abuse Hotline: 1-800-522-3511 Reporting is MANDATORY if the victim is under 18 years old. If you think a child (under 18 years of age) is in immediate danger call 911. The Statewide Abuse Hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Statewide Abuse Hotline may be used to report known or suspected neglect or abuse of a child or vulnerable adult. When you make a report, you will be asked for specific information, such as: • The name of the victim and location • The name and relationship (if known) of the person you believe is abusing the child or vulnerable person • What you have seen or heard regarding the abuse or neglect • The names of any other people who might know about the abuse • Your name and phone number: This is voluntary. You may remain anonymous. To report abuse by Archdiocesan Personnel or someone representing the Catholic Church Archdiocesan Policies require that after reporting on the Statewide Abuse Hotline you contact the Archdiocesan Pastoral Response Hotline: (405) 720-9878 Or The Office of the Vicar General: 1-800-721-5651 |
