The Diocese of Birmingham - Youth Protection Information
Reports of suspected child abuse should be first made to the Alabama Department of Human Resources or Local Police. A secondary report should be made to the Diocese of Birmingham if the abuse has occurred in the context of a Catholic institution. (205) 242-3954 or flsapikas@bhmdiocese.org
The Diocese of Birmingham has long recognized that children, youth and other vulnerable persons can be at risk from certain individuals present in every community. Individuals who for whatever reason, prey on those weaker than themselves. We recognize that whenever children and youth are out of their parent’s direct care they are especially at risk. In 1991 a set of policies and procedures were promulgated to help ensure that Catholic institutions and programs would be as safe as possible from those seeking to harm minors. Training sessions were implemented to prepare staff and volunteers to continue their ministries in safe and healthy ways, and to properly respond and report allegations of suspected child abuse. Policies, procedures and training continue to change and grow as the needs of Catholic institutions have changed.
General Information
CPersons subject to the procedures and policies: Any adult who has access to minors through a Catholic parish, school or other institution. Also required to participate are those who direct or administer youth serving programs or facilities. Code of Conduct: Foundational document which specifies current youth protection rules. The Code of Conduct provides a set of minimum requirements. A parish or school may choose to add conditions to the Code of local use. The Code is periodically reviewed by the Diocesan Review Board. Code changes:
Usually originate with recommendations from the Review Board or Office for Youth
The Presbyterial Council reviews recommendations and
The Bishop confirms changes in the Code as diocesan policy
A. Allegations of sexual abuse: Handled by Frank Slapikus, John Whitaker and the Diocesan Review Board. Records maintained and Audit Part A and B is managed by Frank Slapikus. B. Youth Protection Trainingfor Children and Youth: Managed by Daniel McCormick and the diocesan Religious Education Office at 205-776-7128. C. Youth Protection Training for Adults: Managed by the Donald Schwarzhoff and the Office for Youth Adult Classes
Required - On-line Youth Protection 1- Available to anyone at any time with no cost to the user. The on-line course is available in either English or Spanish. (www.CatholicYouthBhm.Net). Youth Protection 1 covers the following basic information:
The Diocesan Code of Conduct along with a quiz to make sure each individual understands how it applies
Signs an adult may see in a child who is abused
Signs an adult may see in a person who abuses children
What actions an adult must take when he or she believes child abuse of any kind may be occurring
Instruction on how to observe appropriate boundaries between adults and children/youth
Required for parish or school Safe Environment Coordinators - Safe Environment Coordinator Training: On-line class
Optional on-line class -Bullying Approaches and Policies: Optional on-line class. Recommended for school personnel, youth leaders, religious educators and administrators
Optional on-line class - Internet Safety: Recommended for school personnel, youth leaders, religious educators and administrators
Optional resource - Parent Resource Book: Free e-book available on-line to any parent
Required for Supervisors and Administrators -Youth Protection 2: a two-hour seminar on strategies for establishing a safe environment for children and youth. Youth Protection 2 must be renewed at least every 3 years. Youth Protection 2 is conducted in the webinar format only. Required prerequisite for Youth Protection 2 is Youth Protection 1. Those who have up-to-date Youth Protection 2 status do not need to renew Youth Protection 1.
Church/School Employees: Conducted through the Diocesan Human Resources Department. This background screen qualifies under the Diocesan Code of Conduct for those who work with minors as employees and/or volunteers
Teachers in Catholic Schools: Conducted through the Alabama State Board of Education and managed through the Diocesan Superintendent of Schools. This background screen qualifies under the Diocesan Code of Conduct for those who work with minors as employees and/or volunteers
Volunteers: Each volunteer completes a consent form which is submitted to his/her church or Catholic school. Screening requests are submitted through an on-line service and may be entered by the local institution or by the Diocesan Office for Youth. The current provider of all volunteer background screens is Selection.Com using their app, Fastrax. Larger parishes and schools are usually authorized to directly submit background screens to Seclection.Com. The Office for Youth conducts screens for smaller institutions
Jump to the volunteer background check consent form