Safeguard the Children Parish Committee

Mission: Committed to provide our community with education to prevent child abuse and to offer a healingand welcoming environment to those who have been hurt.

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“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”

– 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Responsibilities & Practices

The Safeguard the Children Committee helps ensure that Archdiocese of Los Angeles child protection policies and USCCB Charter standards are properly followed and documented. It promotes safe environment education by ensuring adults complete the VIRTUS training program and that children receive approved prevention education. The committee evaluates parish and school environments to identify and address safety concerns related to children and youth. It also reviews annual programs, policies, and events to maintain clear and effective safety procedures. In addition, it supports the USCCB Safe Environment audit process and participates in Child Abuse Prevention Month activities to renew awareness and commitment to protection efforts. To look at the full document you can click this link.

Program Guidelines

All parish, school employees, and volunteers (18+) must complete required safety steps before serving, including VIRTUS training, fingerprinting/background checks, and signing the Archdiocese Code of Conduct. Youth volunteers must also follow boundary guidelines and submit signed parental permission forms before participating. The Archdiocese provides safe environment resources, prevention programs, and support services for victims and survivors of abuse. All staff and volunteers are required to understand and follow mandatory reporting laws for suspected child abuse or neglect. Any reasonable suspicion must be reported immediately to authorities, followed by required written documentation within 36 hours, and key parish or school leadership must be notified. For more information please click on the Guidelines to thoroughly read them linked here.

Virtus

Please visit the VIRTUS website linked to find local parishes near you offering upcoming VIRTUS training sessions.

Locations For Fingerprinting

Please visit the LA Catholics fingerprinting to locate nearby fingerprinting sites and view available appointments for the Archdiocese Live Scan process.

Reporting Suspected Child Abuse & Neglect:


Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services & Child Protective Hotline:
(800) 540-4000
Investigative Control Unit for All Child Abuse Reports: (213) 486-0530
Los Angeles County Sheriff Department: Special Victims Bureau (24 Hours): (562) 946-8531
To speak to a Detective: (562) 946-7960
Los Angeles County Department Children & Family Services Emergency Response Command Post:
(213) 639-4500
In an emergency, dial 911
For any further questions on Upcoming VIRTUS, Fingerprinting events in our community, request forms, or concerns, send email to Cecilia Moran cm.virtus.safeguard@gmail.com

Our Lady of Grace Church, Encino: Safeguard the Children CommitteŠµ