Prevention
Article 12 of the USCCB's Charter for the Protection of Children and Youth states:

"Dioceses will establish "safe environment" programs which the diocesan bishop deems to be in accord with Catholic moral principles. They will be conducted cooperatively with parents, civil authorities, educators, and community organizations to provide education and training for children, youth, parents, ministers, educators, volunteers and others about ways to make and maintain a safe environment for children and young people."

The Archdiocese of Omaha goes beyond compliance of this mandate by implementing excellent adult and youth training programs, requiring background checks of those who have regular contact with children and youth, and having clear safe environment policies and guidelines.

The archdiocese also has an active antipornography task force to help adults and youth stay technologically safe. The task force provides:

• Preventive and pastoral materials
• Catholic recovery groups for those struggling with sexual integrity
• Educational offerings https://archomaha.org/ministries/anti-porn/

Initial Adult Safe Environment Training 
This training is offered at parishes and schools throughout the archdiocese. Safe Environment certification is needed for staff and volunteers who have regular contact with children and youth. Certification is for five years.

Adult Recertification Safe Environment Training
Recertification is online training for those already trained and the certification date is near expiration. Background checks are required with recertification. This recertification is good for five years.

Visit the Safe Environment page for more information on victim outreach, training dates, policies and anti-pornography efforts.

Children and Youth (K-12) Safe Environment "Circle of Grace" Training
Circle of Grace is a faith-based and clinically sound safe environment program Archbishop George Lucas has mandated that Circle of Grace be taught to all children (K-12) annually in Catholic school, religious education programs, and youth ministry programs.

The program teaches children and youth that everyone is sacred; healthy and unhealthy boundaries are identified. Children and youth are also taught how to talk to a trusted adult when they feel uncomfortable.

For more information about Safe Environment Training, please contact Katie Hart at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..