Protecting God's Children
We at Saint Raphael the Archangel Parish are deeply grateful to those who, through their employment, or their volunteer efforts, help form our children academically, spiritually, socially and athletically. Saint Raphael the Archangel Church and School follow the Archdiocese of St. Louis Safe Environment Program (Protecting God’s Children). The program is designed to help protect the youth, elderly, and vulnerable adults of our parish as they participate in activities within our community. This process also provides a layer of protection against the possibility of false accusations for those adults who are involved in our many ministries.
If you have any questions, please contact Mary Steck at steck@straphaelarchangel.org.
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
CHILDREN'S DIVISION CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT
HOTLINE NUMBER:
1-800-392-3738
For additional information related to reporting incidents of suspected abuse, please refer to the Archdiocese's Policy, Procedures, and Guidelines on Child Abuse and Neglect Reports or contact:
OFFICE OF CHILD AND YOUTH PROTECTION
314-792-7704
Archdiocese of St. Louis archstl.org
As of May 22, 2003, the Archdiocese of St. Louis adopted a sexual misconduct policy that is in conformity with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' "Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People" and "Essential Norms for Diocesan/Parochial Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons," as well as with Vatican documents and the Code of Canon Law.
In short, all clergy, employees, and volunteers that have regular contact with minors (defined as 3 or more times per year, or any overnight event) must:
- Attend one session of the "Protecting God's Children for Adults" workshop; Register for a workshop
- Have on file a "Code of Ethical Conduct for Clergy, Employees, or Volunteers Working With Minors," and; Please read and print up final page (11) to sign and return to rectory office
- Have on file a copy of a current Criminal History and Child Abuse Background check. (Since Saint Raphael the Archangel Parish is utilizing the Missouri Family Care Safety Registry, you must also sign a Worker Registration form indicating you are registering for volunteer purposes.) St. Raphael will pay the $12 one-time fee.
- STUDENT (Minor) VOLUNTEERS who work with children 3 or more times/year must sign (and their parents must co-sign) the "Code of Conduct for Student Volunteers Working With Minors."
Frequently Asked Questions
I need to take a Protecting God's Children Workshop. How do I find one? Please click on the link provided in the above box and click the link, register for a workshop. You may also call the rectory to inquire about the next St. Raphael workshop.
I have taken a Protecting God's Children workshop. What is the next step? If you have not already done so, please register at virtusonline.org and complete the Worker Registration form. If you have lived outside of Missouri within the last five years, please read the IP rights and complete the IP release. Please return all forms to Mary Steck at the rectory.
I am a teen and would like to volunteer. What do I need to do? If you are under 18 years old or still in high school, and wish to volunteer at St. Raphael the Archangel Parish and School, please complete the Code of Ethical Conduct for Youth form, and return it to Mary Steck in the parish office.