Safe Environment

The Safe Environment Program uses two programs to help keep children and vulnerable adults safe.  Virtus and Circle of Grace training are designed for specific age groups to provide understanding about abuse prevention.  Protecting God's Children for Adults ensures safe environments in our parishes, schools and Archdiocesan departments and agencies.  This free training increases awareness about the nature of child sexual abuse.  Participants register for an in-person or internet-based initial training session to learn the warning signs of abuse, strategies for handling suspected abuse and ways to respond to known abuse.  Protecting God's Children for Adults is offered to all adults working with children or vulnerable adults.  Circle of Grace was developed by the Archdiocese of Omaha and is a children's safety program which incorporates the core teachings of our Catholic faith: the belief and knowledge of God's Real Presence in our lives.  Awareness and incorporation of this knowledge can transform lives.  Children learn the importance and sacredness of relationships, how to protect the special person they are and how to be respectful of others.  Circle of Grace is offered to all children in grades K-12 in our Catholic schools and parish Faith Formation programs. 

Any content that addresses child sexual abuse and other types of abuse can be disturbing and challenging to experience for anyone, but especially for victim-survivors of child sexual abuse. If you are a victim-survivor with a desire to serve the Church in your community please contact Cathy Wiswell, Safe Environment Coordinator for the Archdiocese, to discuss what to expect and explore alternate training options.