Protection of God's Children

Date:  Friday, March 6, 2020   
To:      Parent(s)/Guardian(s) of St. Matthew Elementary Students
From:  Amy Conlon

Under the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, all dioceses in the United States have agreed to do the following:

1. Establish age-appropriate safe environment training for children. Key training components are to include information about quality relationships, proper forms of touch, actions to take in uncomfortable situations, and reporting possible abuse. This program is not the same as sex education.
2. Offer the training to all children/young people.
3. Document that the training has taken place.

While all children are to be offered the Archdiocesan safe environment training, a parent/guardian can refuse to allow their child to participate in the Archdiocesan training. The following conditions must be met if a parent/guardian decides not to have their child(ren) participate:

1. Provide to the parent/guardian the Archdiocesan curriculum if the parent chooses to cover this material with their own child(ren).
2. The parent must specifically state in writing: (l) that safe environment training was offered to their child, (2) that they refused to allow their child to participate in this training, and (3) that they have been offered safe environment training materials to use with their child. This signed form must be maintained by the archdiocese to ensure full accountability concerning the safe environment training of every child.

The safe environment training program at St. Matthew Elementary will be offered in the next two weeks.  The safe environment training program that will be used can be viewed at: (insert dates/times, procedures, and location where parents/guardians can review materials.) . In the event that you do not wish your student to participate in the safe environment training, please email Mrs. Conlon at [email protected] for a copy of the form. If we do not receive the form by Wednesday, March 11th, we will assume your approval of your child(ren)’s participation in the program.Thank you for your attention to this matter.