Safe Environment Program
The Office of Child and Youth Protection serves persons who bring forward allegations of sexual abuse by a member of the clergy or by lay employees and volunteers of the Archdiocese of Saint Louis. In addition the Office of Child and Youth Protection oversee and ensure compliance with policies and procedures created to receive and investigate reports of abuse as required by the Holy See, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the Archdiocese of Saint Louis. In addition the Office of Child and Youth Protection is responsible for the activities and concerns brought before the Archdiocesan Child Safety Committee as well as the Archdiocesan Review Board.
Victims of sexual abuse, in addition to contacting civil authorities, are asked to come forward in order to receive pastoral assistance. Reports of abuse may be made to any Pastor or to:
Sandra Price, Executive Director
Office of Child & Youth Protection
314-792-7271
sandraprice@archstl.org
Missouri Department of Social Services, Children’s Division
Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline:
1-800-392-3738
Missouri Department of Heath & Senior Services
Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline:
1-800-392-0210
Archdiocese of St. Louis Safe Environment Program
The Safe Environment Program requires all adult employees and volunteers who have a likelihood of working with or near children or youth on a regular basis to comply with the following:
1. Complete a state criminal record and child abuse/neglect check.
2. Sign the acknowledgement page of the Code of Ethical Conduct.
3. Attend the Protecting God's Children seminar.
4. Employees or volunteers who have resided outside the state of Missouri any time over the last five years will have to undergo a one-time background check. Illinois Residents will have Illinois and Missouri background checks conducted every even-numbered year.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Char Gestring, Safe Environment Coordinator at 573.358.2112 or chargestring@yahoo.com.
In addition all children in Archdiocesan educational programs K-9 are encouraged to participate in and receive the annual Safe Touch curriculum. The Safe Touch curriculum teaches children how to protect themselves from and report sexual abuse. Age appropriate programs are being implemented throughout the Archdiocese of Saint Louis.