Safe Environment

Mission Statement

The Office of Safe Environment is committed to maintain a safe environment for children and youth by reaching out to all who serve the El Paso Diocese and provide sexual misconduct and safe environment trainings.  Our promise to protect children and youth flows from the ministry and example of Jesus Christ. 


Safe Environment Program

The Diocese of El Paso has developed a Safe Environment training program for diocesan personnel who work with minors, parents, children and youth.  The diocesan program for adults contains information describing appropriate and inappropriate behaviors, what abuse is, how to identify behaviors which may be used by those seeking to abuse, and possible signs of abuse.  There is emphasis on the legal requirement to report suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities.

 

The program for youth and children is designed to help them understand what appropriate behavior and inappropriate behavior are.  It also provides information on how to recognize common methods of luring minors into dangerous situations.  There will be an emphasis on telling an appropriate adult if abuse or inappropriate behavior should occur.


History

The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People was established at the Bishops Conference in 2002.  Because of the Charter, every diocese in the United States has been given the responsibility to create policies for a safe environment within the Church for children and youth.  Our commitment to comply with this requirement has resulted in workshop trainings and school programs on sexual misconduct and safe environment, as well as, the submission of background checks for all diocesan personnel who have regular contact with minors. 

 

Sexual Misconduct and Safe Environment Workshops

The Office of Safe Environment has scheduled Sexual Misconduct and Safe Environment workshops throughout the different parishes.  These workshops are for all volunteers and employees of the diocese and are necessary for compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.  Workshop trainings vary in locations and times throughout the year.  For information regarding workshop dates, click here or contact Elena Bejarano at (915) 872-8427 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.