Safe Environment Training
"Since the implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People by the Bishops of the United States in 2003, the Church has made great strides in developing policies and procedures that assist in providing safe environments for our young people. One of the most important safety precautions instituted by the Charter has been the requirement that dioceses evaluate the background of all employees and volunteers who have contact with minors.
In 2018, the Charter was revised to ensure that all dioceses are using the most current and effective means at their disposal to protect the most vulnerable among us. In compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Minors and Young People, therefore, all employees and volunteers in the Diocese of Phoenix will be required to be trained in Safe Environment annually and complete a state and federal criminal background check prior to serving." - Office of Child and Youth Protection and Safe Environment Training
After much prayer, debate, and deliberation, it was concluded by SHHE members that this class is designed to help protect children; and because children are at the heart of why the Sacred Heart Home Educators exists, the Board believes that our group in obedience to the Bishop should take this step to do our part to protect the children we serve and those we may encounter through our ministry.
Every member family of Sacred Heart Home Educators must "Have at least one parent/guardian that is current with Safe Environment Training." As required by our Statutes, include confirmation of your current SET when registering.
The first time you become certified, you take a 3 hour class in person at any training site. After that, only a 1 hour class is required annually. The 1-hour renewal can be done in person or online.
Register for the free initial training online at https://phoenix.cmgconnect.org/ or contact your parish office for the next class at your church. List your parish as your "volunteer location" and mark yourself as "Volunteer (serves minors)".
Unusual situations:
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If you are new to the Diocese of Phoenix and have similar training from your old parish, contact the Diocese to see what is required for this year.
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If your parish is not within the Diocese of Phoenix, you may attend the program offered by your Diocese to meet this requirement. The documentation showing proof of training could be a certificate or a letter from your pastor/Diocese.
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If the training is a hardship, there are alternatives. Our diocese recognizes that the nature of this content could be traumatic for some individuals. Simply approach your SET coordinator at your parish or in the Safe Environment Office to make an alternative arrangement. To meet SHHE's requirement you may also meet with your pastor to discuss the information presented in SET and submitting a letter from him confirming your meeting.
Please describe your situation in the box reserved for SET confirmation when you register; someone will contact you about submitting your documentation.