Protection of Children and Youth Initiative
The Parish Community of St. Joseph is committed to providing a safe environment for our young people. We believe strongly that it is the duty of all to protect our children and youth. During these past years, we have become more aware of the disturbing occurrence of physical and sexual abuse of children. It has claimed the attention of our nation, our society, and our Church. The church as a whole has responded to this situation by making every effort to increase awareness and protect our children.
Our Archdiocesan "Protecting Children and Youth Initiative" requires that all parents and children in parish formation programs attend these sessions. If you would like, you can request to opt out but you must complete a request to do so. While these events are required for families with children enrolled in Faith Formation, these events are useful for all families with children.
All parents and guardians of children and youth are welcome to attend any or all sessions. We ask that you pay careful attention to which are for adults only, as the subject matter may not be appropriate for children.
As a community we all know that awareness
and understanding
is the key to prevention. We must continue to educate and inform
ourselves
to ensure that all young people are safe and treated with the
sacredness God intends.
Upcoming PCYI Offerings at St. Joseph's
Sr. High (Grades 9 and 10)
Grade 9 date tbdGrade 10 date tbd
Key Concepts to be presented for Sr. High:
- Identify the risk factors associated with sexual abuse
- Developing a plan for responding to and supporting others in a crisis situation.
- Learners will be provided with information and tools to identify and steer away from questionable and potentially dangerous situations.
- Learn of the tools, resources, and guidance that are available to teens to create a safe space.
- Discuss the importance of preventing sexual abuse.
- Identify ways that young people can be role models for younger children and develop confidence in setting an example.
These are classroom sessions that will be held during a regular Faith Formation session. ALL 5-8 graders of the parish are invited to attend. If you are not currently enrolled in Faith Formation but would like to attend please call the office so we can ensure all youth have a spot for the session.
Each grade level will have its own lesson based on 4 Key Concepts:
- The right to know
- The right to tell
- The right to say no
- The right to decide
- Bullying
- Harassment
- Threats
- Tricks and deception
- Sexual and physical abuse
- Keeping and telling secrets
- Internet chat rooms
Grades 5-6 During regularly scheduled sesisons in March, 2010
Grade 7 Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 7:00 pm
Grade 8 Wednesday, March 3, 2010 - 7:00 pm
Age 3- Grade 4 Children Only
These are classroom sessions that will be held during a regular Faith Formation session. ALL children (Kindergarten through Grade 4) of the parish are invited to attend. If you are not currently enrolled in Faith Formation but would like to attend please call the office so we can ensure all youth have a spot for the session.
A Personal Safety Curriculum. This is a broad-based safety program which deals with many of the safety rules you are teaching at home and which are taught during preschool and Kindergarten classes as well – car safety, traffic safety, fire safety, etc. The matter of personal safety regarding touch is treated in the same manner. A few simple rules will be taught and discussed, so that children have a chance to learn the rules and to practice them in different situations. Rules covered include
- Always
ask first (when going somewhere or accepting a gift)
- "No" means no
- Tell a grownup
Pre3-Kindergarten Sunday, March 7 and 14, 2010 during regularly scheduled ECSP sessions
Grades 1-4 During regularly scheduled sessions in March, 2010
