Julie Shocksnider

We all want our churches to be a place where everyone feels safe, loved and able to experience and grow in God.  Specifically, we are committed to keeping our children and youth safe in our Diocese.  We accept and have implemented all aspects of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, approved by the United States bishops in 2002 and updated in 2011.  It provides for healing and reconciliation of victims and survivors of sexual abuse as a minor, an effective response to allegations of sexual abuse of minors, and accountability with procedures that protects our church communities.   As a diocese, we are audited annually to assure we are implementing the requirements needed to keep our children and youth safe within our parishes.  The diocese has passed each year.   

“Godly Relationships” is an educational program created specifically for our Diocese.  The program outlines children education which includes rules for adult-child interactions, “when to say no,” and online safety for both children and youth.  The education of parents and caregivers includes ways to keep your child safe, signs of a safe child and youth program, how to raise children to resist violence, online safety, links to free on-line internet safety resources, and a section on bullying.  Parents have the option to “opt-out” of training if they would prefer that their children not receive the training.   

 Because “online safety” is a fairly new area for child and youth safety we would like to highlight a few online safety measures:   

 

For Children  For Parents and Caregivers 
  • Do not give out your name, home address, school name, telephone number, or any information through any electronic device (phone, computer, etc.) 
  • Do not give out a picture of yourself.   
  • Do not write to someone who has made you feel uncomfortable or scared  
  • Do not meet anyone or have them visit you without the permission of your parents or caregiver. Tell a trusted adult or parent right away if you read or see anything that makes your feel uncomfortable 
  • People online may not be who they say they are 
  • Areas for online safety include: computers, mobile phones, online socializing, virtual worlds and texting.
  • Talk early and often to your children.  As soon as your child uses an electronic device — computer, cell phone or mobile device — it is time to talk.  Create an open and honest environment.  Be supportive.  Communicate your values.  When your children begin socializing online, you may want to talk to them about certain risks:
    • Inappropriate conduct: The online world can feel anonymous. Children may sometime forget that they are still accountable for their actions.
    • Inappropriate contact: Some people online have bad intentions including bullies, predators, hackers, and scammers.  
    • Inappropriate content: You may be concerned that your children could find pornography, violence, or hate speech online.  Talk with them about possible internet restrictions.  Keep the computer in a public location in your home.  Interact with them on the computer often. 

 

How to Report 

We encourage people to report any past or present suspected inappropriate behavior toward children to the International Research Group where an Administrative Investigator will take your call.

The toll-free number: 1-877-637-6600
Email: internationalresearchgroup@csi.com

You may also want to call:
*   Diocese of Canton (330-493-9355) – Ann Fosnaught (Victim Assistance Coordinator)

Thank you for all you do to help make children and youth safe and welcome in our Diocese.