Each year our catechists new & old, as well as the classroom aides are given materials on safe environment for children provided to us by the diocese. Included in the catechist’s materials are lesson plan ideas for them to use with your children, they incorporate these ideas into certain chapters as they teach throughout the year. You may be thinking, “Why is the church doing this, they learn this in school?” Yes they do learn how to know the differences between good and bad touches and feelings in school, in going over this in a religion class we are able to bring God and his creation into the lesson. Also, as part of this process all of our volunteers and paid staff undergo a background check. We want you to know that the children you bring to us for faith formation are being cared for in a safe environment.
Here are some suggestions that the diocese of La Crosse asks us to share with you, parents should:
- Know the red flags of abuse and abusers, ( if you don’t know them see Kathy Pichler and she will get a copy to you)
- Talk to your children
- Listen to/observe your children, watching for danger signs and sudden changes in behavior
- Let your children know they can tell you anything
- Teach your children where their private parts are
- Talk to your children often about protecting themselves
- Teach you children what to do if someone tries to touch them
- Teach your children what to do if someone makes them uncomfortable
These are all basic things that we as parents already are for the most part doing so it shouldn’t be anything new for you to work with.
You will notice that the majority of the time there will be 2 adults in the classroom with the students. This is done so we do not have to leave them alone if someone needs to use the restroom, is sick or the catechist needs something from the Faith Formation Office. It is protection for your children as well as for the volunteers working with your children. Please keep that in mind as you fill out the volunteer form that is in the registration mailing each year, we do need aides every year as well as catechists. If for some reason we do not get enough volunteer aides a letter will go home with a particular class and parents will then be asked to take turns each week as the aide for that class.
