Holy Family Elementary School

Overview

In their pastoral letter, Walk in the Light:  A Pastoral Response to Child Sexual Abuse, the US Bishops stated,

“People tend to think that certain authority figures – such as parents, stepparents, teachers and clergy – are above reproach:  that ‘pillars of the community’ could not abuse children.  Abusive behavior often hides behind the masks of love and trust.  While the true incidence of child sexual abuse remains unknown, it is nonetheless significant.  We state firmly and clearly that any act of child sexual abuse is morally evil.  It is never justified.”

At Holy Family Elementary, we take the responsibility of protecting our students, children and young people, as it pertains to child sexual abuse, very seriously. Under the guidance of the Diocese of Salina and through the Safe Environment Program, there are policies and procedures in place to help us on our mission of eradicating child sexual abuse within our school community. The policies and procedures of the Safe Environment Program are designed to educate people who minister to young children about the nature of child sexual abuse, how it is perpetrated, how to report it, and strategies used for prevention. Every person that comes in contact with our students, children and young people, whether it be a faculty or staff member, a parent or volunteer, must take part in this program to help provide a safe and secure environment within our school. Together in faith, we can, as a team, make a big impact on the lives and well being of our students, children and young people through the Safe Environment Program.

The Safe Environment Program outlines how the Diocese of Salina has implemented Promise to Protect Pledge to Heal, Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. You can read through the charter here.

Additional information about the Diocese of Salina, their stance on child sexual abuse and the Safe Environment Program can be found here.

Questions, concerns and comments about the Safe Environment Program can be addressed to Tracy Perrett, Safety Coordinator tperrett@hfehays.org