URGENT NOTICES, UPDATES, MANUAL CHANGES, AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION
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Archived News

URGENT UPDATES – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

September 18, 2012

Some sites are apparently not aware of the Abuse Prevention Training Guide (lavender cover) and updated OCP training DVD, both of which were issued in October of 2010.  Anyone who is still using a VHS tape or who is using the DVD that existed before October of 2010 should immediately switch to the current DVD and training format.  The old ones are long out of date and do not contain all of the topics that are to be covered in the Abuse Prevention Training. 

Please note that while the DVD and format in the Training Guide are mandatory, the tests are not.  However, use of the tests is strongly encouraged, whether as a written test or select questions administered orally.  It is important to assess the learning that has taken place to ensure that trainees understand the required concepts. 

If you have any questions, or if you need a copy of the materials issued in 2010, please contact the OCP at (508) 674-4681 or at djones@cssdioc.org. 

Thank you for all you do to keep our children safe!

17 September 2012

Greetings to all trainers!

Please be aware that we have many updates to the website.  First and most importantly, there is a new CORI form that has been created by the CORI office in Boston.  It is the same form for employees, volunteers, and subcontractors, but CSS will still use different colors to distinguish the difference.  Please go to the Forms/Trainer Resources page and download the new form.

There has been another change, which is that the volunteer CORI will no longer change color.  It will remain blue permanently, which means you no longer have to worry about changing colors every calendar year.  Because of the consistent color, we will now require that all CORIs and training forms are sent in no later than the end of each calendar month in which trainings were conducted and/or CORI forms were completed.  CORI forms must be submitted in a timely manner to keep children as safe as possible and to ensure compliance with the Charter.  There are NO exceptions to this rule!

The following other new items have been posted on the website (all of this can be found of the Forms/Trainer Resouces page):

1. New Code of Conduct
2. Examples for new CORI and Code of Conduct
3. New volunteer color information
4. New RI Disclaimer
5. New Training Feedback form (new questions)!
6. New lists of required materials for parishes and schools
7. New audit forms
8. New audit schedule for audit years 2012 – 2015. 

Finally, for those DREs who could not attend the meeting in Taunton, new Child Protection Manual contents were distributed.  The entire green binder has been updated, so please contact the OCP to get your copy of the binder contents, the handouts, and all the exciting news.  You won’t want to miss a huge improvement that is coming your way soon!  (Educators, Kate Simpson will be bringing your binder inserts to your next meeting, but if you want to have them earlier, please contact the OCP.)

As always, if you have questions or concerns, please contact Debora in the Office for Child Protection at (508) 674-4681 or djones@cssdioc.org. 

Many blessings to you as we start this new school year!

Debora Jones

CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS 2011

 Greetings to all those involved in the Diocese’s Safe Environment programs for children and youth.  The past year has brought a number of changes, from new forms and a new training format to an updated Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.  Change is rarely easy, but when it is combined with the many pressures of daily responsibilities, it can be even more of a challenge.

It is with this awareness that I write to express my sincere gratitude for your patience, dedication and persistence this year.  It is because of the work put forth by each of you that the children of our Diocese are safely navigating another year of childhood or adolescence.  Teachers faithfully prepare lessons; principals and DREs support and guide the teachers and pastors tend to the needs of their parish community, all in the interest of keeping children and families safe and healthy. 

We, as a church, are called to be the face of Jesus in the world.  One of the best ways we can do that is to engage in activities that prevent childhood or family trauma, and promoting safe environments is a key component of such preventative activity.  I hope that as some of you may experience frustration with the mechanics of doing this work, you never lose sight of the reason for what we do—the value of each life you impact. 

At this holy season, when we celebrate the birth of the most important child ever to grace the earth, let us take time to reflect on all that we have accomplished this year.  Children have been given vital information about Jesus and the gospel as well as personal safety.  Families have been supported and strengthened while others have faced pain and sorrow, but together, as family in Christ, we have grown.  Our journey of faith is a work in progress every day of our lives, but as long as we keep moving forward, doing our best and learning in the process, we are drawing closer to the Kingdom of Heaven.  I believe that makes our Heavenly Father’s heart leap with joy.

I hope that each of you will have some moments to spend alone with the Christ child, to reflect, worship and renew your spirit for the coming year.  I give thanks for the opportunity to work with such a wonderful group of people and wish you a blessed Advent, a joyous Christmas and the happiest New Year ever!

In God’s love,

Debra Jones