As you may know, all adults of our diocese who interact with minor children in our parishes and schools are required to attend a Protecting God’s Children Training. Also included in developing a safe environment for our children is the training of students enrolled in our elementary, middle and high schools, as well as the students enrolled in the Parish School of Religion and Home Study programs. We are committed to see that every child receives age-appropriate information to keep them safe from abuse. The personal safety program is just another step in teaching children how to be safe such as looking both ways before you cross the street, fire safety, water safety, etc. There are several selections of training methods available.
- Training using professional video publications focusing on personal safety at all grade levels. The information is suitable for viewing by students of a faith based organization.
- Training conducted by prevention educators from the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault Agency. The prevention educators visiting our schools are trained professionals in conducting awareness sessions using age-appropriate information to reach all age groups of children.
- The Child Lures The Child Lures program is a well-structured, lesson-based curriculum taught by the student’s classroom teacher. The Child Lures program is a program recommended for use by all public elementary and middle schools in the State of Illinois.
Another option for training which has also been approved for use by this parish/school is:
The Virtus® Touching Safety Program which is a program following a lesson plan appropriate for each age group. This is the program that will be used this year at Cathedral. The scheduled date for this training is Sunday, October 7, 2018.
Parents must give permission for their children to participate in this training. Please check the option you desire on the attached permission slip, sign and return the permission slip along with your registration form. You may return it in the mail, drop it off at the parish office, or put it in the collection basket in an envelope marked PSR. If you do not return the form, we will assume that you have given permission to have your child participate in the training. If you choose not to have your child participate, they will have class during the training time. We will understand and honor your wish not to have your child attend the personal training scheduled. As parents you are the primary educators of your children, and it is up to you to decide whether and how your child should receive such sensitive information. Please return the form that follows with your signature on it, even if you are not giving permission for your child to participate.
You are welcome to attend the training with your child so that you can continue the discussion at home and facilitate ongoing reinforcement of what the children have learned through the training. Also available to you is the “Parent Guide to Understanding and Preventing Child Sexual Abuse. Keeping Children Safe from Abuse; Tips for Parents and Caregivers”, published by the Committee for Children. This booklet is recommended for your use. If you would like a copy, please contact Daphne Southern: [email protected] or (217)638-2805.