The Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ Safeguard the Children is a comprehensive program designed to promote a safe environment for children, youth and vulnerable adults and prevent child sexual abuse. The program was initiated in all dioceses in the United States at the direction of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). There is a Safeguard the Children (STC) Committee in each parish which helps to implement the objectives of the USCCB “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” To learn more about the Virtus program, see www.virtus.org.

St. Francis de Sales has a Safety for Children Committee chaired by a parishioner. Other members include the Director of Religious Education, the school principal, the pastor and parents. Meetings are held quarterly or more often as needed.

Requirements for Parish Clergy, Staff and Volunteers

In accord with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, St. Francis de Sales Parish has Policies and Procedures for all volunteers at St. Franacis de Sales.

All St. Francis de Sales volunteers must read and agree to follow the “Archdiocese of Los Angeles Guidelines for Adults Interacting with Minors at Parish or School Activities or Events.”
All minors volunteering at St.Francis de Sales must read and agree to follow the “Boundary Guidelines For Junior High and High School Youth Working or Volunteering with Children or Youth.”

All volunteers who work with or around children in any way are required to attend a VIRTUS session, “Protecting God’s Children” adult awareness training session.

Anyone who supervises or is perceived to supervise children in any way is required to submit to a background check in the form of fingerprinting by the Los Angeles Archdiocese. Sign up for free archdiocesan LiveScan fingerprinting or sources for local LiveScan locations. Please contact the rectory for the address of our local LiveScan location.

All St. Francis de Sales School and Religious Education students will take part annually in the ”Teaching Touching Safety” or other approved safe environment education program.