The Diocese of Kalamazoo is committed to creating safe environments in our parishes and schools. The mission of the Safe Environment Office is to assist parishes and schools in their implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

The Safe Environment Office runs background checks on all employees and all volunteers who have regular contact with children in parishes and schools. We work with parishes and schools to schedule training sessions. The Virtus program “Protecting God’s Children for Adults” is used to train employees and volunteers to prevent child sexual abuse. The three hour session covers the scope and nature of child sexual abuse. It gives five specific steps adults can take to protect children.

The Safe Environment Office conducts semi-annual audit reports to assist parishes and schools in passing the annual audit conducted by the Office of Child and Youth Protection.

Director:
Deacon Pat Hall
phall@dioceseofkalamazoo.org
(269) 349-8714, ext. 246

Associate Coordinator:
Mrs. Margie Haas
mhaas@dioceseofkalamazoo.org
(269) 349-8714, ext. 247

Sexual Misconduct Questions & Reporting Line:
877-802-0115

John Jay College releases findings of "causes and context" report on clergy sexual abuse

John Jay College of Criminal Justice Report: "The Causes and Context of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Catholic Priests in the U.S., 1950-2010"

Background Information

Fulll Report