New On-Line Youth Protection
Training is Now Available
(see below for link)

Do you need Youth Protection Training now?

Please print out and keep your certificate of completion when finished with the course. Successful completion of this course will keep you current on YOUTH PROTECTION 1 for three years.
Big changes have taken place in how we do youth protection training in the Diocese of Birmingham.
Among the changes: New on-line youth protection training is now available. The new course will be available to any Catholic parishioner in the diocese without charge. It is available in English and Spanish. We have worked hard to make this happen but please understand it is totally new and their may be bugs we have to iron out. Please continue to be patient.
Also new is how we offer live Youth Protection 1 sessions. Because the on-line training is now broadly available without charge, we will no longer conduct “on-request” live sessions. Only a handful of Youth Protection 1 sessions will be scheduled. Priority in scheduling regional Youth Protection 1 workshop has been on locations where the host will actively work to encourage attendance from neighboring parishes and Catholic schools.
 Of special importance:
  • Youth Protection 2 will be offered only as a live video conference
  • Live Youth Protection 1 sessions will be offered a limited number of times on a regional basis
  • There is only one place to find an accurate and up to date schedule of live courses. It is at www.CatholicYouthBhm.Net.
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What is not changing is the requirement for criminal background checks and Youth Protection 1 (or its on-line equivalent) for every person who has access to minors within any program, class, event or ministry – sponsored, conducted or hosted by a Catholic institution or group in the Diocese of Birmingham. ​

Staff

Coordinator, Office for Child and Youth Protection: Deacon Frank R. Slapikas - fslapikas@bhmdiocese.org 
Office: (205) 776-7125 - Cell: (205) 242-3954
  • Receives new allegations and reports of suspected child abuse
  • Supports and coordinates the work of the diocesan Review Board
  • Coordinates compliance with the annual audit of child and youth protection
  • Maintains records
Coordinator, Child and Youth Safe Environment: Donald Schwarzhoff - dschwarzhoff@bhmdiocese.org, (205) 838-8301
  • Oversees criminal background screening for volunteers
  • Directs adult live and on-line youth protection training
  • Maintains records of adult training
  • Coordinates the diocesan Code of Conduct
  • Supports the work of the diocesan Review Board
​Coordinator, Victim Assistance: Albert Manzella - amanzella@bhmdiocese.org
To report suspected child abuse that involves a priest, deacon, or anyone connected to a catholic church, catholic school or other catholic institution: Contact Frank Slapikas at (205) 242-3954 or flsapikas@bhmdiocese.org
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Links to Additional Information
​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.
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