Safe Environment & Reporting

SAFE ENVIRONMENT

The Newman Catholic Student Center Parish abides by the Diocese of Raleigh's Child and Youth Protection policies. 

The Newman Catholic Student Center Parish also abides by the Our Lady of the Angels Province Safe Environment policies: Safe Environment | Our Lady of the Angels Province, USA ( olaprovince.org)

All Newman employees who work with children and youth are required to do the following before beginning their employment at Newman:

• Attendance at a Safe Environment Workshop approved by the Diocese of Raleigh;
• Undergo a criminal background check;
• Undergo personal reference checks.
• All employees are also obliged to a professional code of conduct

All Newman volunteers and catechists who work with children and youth, and all users of Newman space who work with children and youth, are required to do the following to minister or work with minors at Newman:

• Attendance at a Safe Environment Workshop approved by the Diocese of Raleigh: please consult the Diocesan Calendar for the schedule, and return your certificate of attendance to Matthew Irwin, Parish Safe Environment Coordinator, at the Parish Office;
• Undergo a criminal background check: for further information please consult the Diocese of Raleigh Application for Volunteers form, and return the form to Matthew Irwin at the Parish Office.
• Undergo personal reference checks.

All Newman parishioners, and especially parents of children and youth, are encouraged to be familiar with policies and practices that help to make Newman a safe place for our children and youth. To attend a diocesan Safe Environment Workshop, please consult the Diocesan Calendar for the schedule.

See the links below for additional information:
Vatican Web Site - Abuse of Minors: The Church's Response
Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People
Ten Points for Protecting Children FAQs on Child and Youth Protection https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/

REPORTING

Anyone who is a victim of child abuse or suspects child abuse is strongly encouraged to report the abuse to local law enforcement authorities. Local departments of social services can assist you; please contact:

• Orange County Child Protective Services Intake: (919) 245-2818
• Orange County After Hours Ask for CPS Social Worker: (919) 732-5063

For matters that involve Church personnel (priests, deacons, seminarians, religious, staff), please also report the allegation to the Office of Child and Youth Protection at 1-866-535-SAFE (1-866-535-7233), or by email to [email protected]. All accusations of sexual abuse, past or present, are reported to local law enforcement pursuant to North Carolina law.

Church personnel (priests, deacons, seminarians, religious, staff) are required to contact the diocesan Director of Child and Youth Protection, Dr. John Pendergrass, after calling local authorities: 984-900-3408.

The Conventual Franciscan Friars of the Our Lady of the Angels Province urge anyone with knowledge of any misconduct by clergy or religious to report it to the Church and the civil authorities. If a friar is involved, please contact Father Michael Heine, OFM Conv., Vicar Provincial, at [email protected]. or 410-531-1400.

Should a Newman parishioner or student have serious concerns regarding the speech or behavior of a staff member which demonstrates a lack of respect for others or damages the safety or health of the Newman environment, he/she should contact Friar Tim at 984-528-7010 or [email protected].

Should a Newman parishioner or student have serious concerns regarding Friar Tim’s speech or behavior which demonstrates a lack of respect for others or damages the safety or health of the Newman environment, he/she should contact Friar Bill at [email protected].