Safe Environment Training

Volunteers working with Children and Vulnerable Adults

It is the policy of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, and therefore of St. Paul's Church & School, to require a background check and Safe Environment Program training for all volunteers entrusted in any way with the care and/or supervision of children, the elderly, or the infirm. Volunteers covered by this policy include all school volunteers; all volunteers in programs that include children; and all volunteers who visit hospitals, nursing homes and the elderly or infirm. If you are unsure if you need this screening and training, please call the Parish Office. The intent of the policy is to do everything within our power to protect our children, youth, the elderly and the infirm from any abuse or neglect.

If you would like to volunteer in ministries covered by this policy, please fill out a Volunteer Application Form and an Authorization, Consent and Release for Background Check. These forms are available in the parish or school office. Safe Environment Program Training is available at parishes throughout the diocese. The training for volunteers with children, which is also an excellent program for parents, requires approximately 2-3 hours, and there is a specific SEP Training for those who volunteer with the elderly or infirmed, such as Eucharistic Ministers to the homebound. The schedule for these programs is published on the Diocesan website, http://www.dioceseofstpete.org, and in The Florida Catholic, and is available in the parish office.