Child and Youth Protection

Following the scandalous revelations of abuse of children and youth by some clergy and church workers in recent years, all Catholic Dioceses have made great efforts to ensure safety and security for all children and youth while in the care of Church personnel. St. Thomas More Parish abides by the Diocese of Raleigh's full Child and Youth Protection policies:

Foundations of Safe Environment
Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People
Policies and Procedures for the Protection of Young People
Code of Conduct for Church Personnel in the Diocese of Raleigh
Report Suspected Abuse
Ten Points for Protecting Children - from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
What Happens if a Priest is Accused of Abuse?

Therefore we require that all Catechists and anyone who will ever be alone with children undergo a criminal background check before they begin their work, and all parents and other people sign a “Personal Information Sheet” declaring that they have never been accused or convicted of child abuse. All parents will be asked to sign this 'yellow form' when registering their children. All catechists also have to participate in some training in Child and Youth Protection. Anyone who refuses to do this will not be permitted to be on the premises when children are present. We also expect all catechists and staff to exercise vigilance and care at all times to ensure the children’s safety and security. We ask – and have received – full cooperation from parents in this essential matter.

Catechists will assure children from time to time that their safety and security is very important, and the children are encouraged to confide in a trusted adult is somebody makes them feel unsafe.

Criminal Background Check

Please download and print the Criminal Background Check form, and return it to Maria Del Rosario at the St. Thomas More parish office for processing.

Safe Environment Training

All catechists and volunteers who work with children are required to attend in person a Safe Environment Workshop approved by the Diocese of Raleigh before they do so. Participation in a similar workshop provided by any other catholic Diocese or any other organization is not recognized. These workshops will be offered periodically at St. Thomas More. The next scheduled date is:

Saturday March 3, 9:30 AM to 12:00 Noon in the Friends and Family Hall. You may register through this form. 

If people cannot attend a workshop at St. Thomas More, they may go to workshops in other parishes in the Diocese.

Certification is valid for five years, after which people must either renew their certification on-line, or take the Safe Environment Workshop again in person. Contact Maria Del Rosario (942-6247) for details of renewal of certification.