Child Safety

Safeguarding the children, youth, and vulnerable persons entrusted to our pastoral care.

Our Commitment

Message from the Vicar

At St. Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Catholic Parish, we are firmly committed to safeguarding the children, youth, and vulnerable persons entrusted to our pastoral care. As a parish of the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Chicago, we fully uphold the Eparchy's Safe Environment policies and procedures, in accordance with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

Creating and maintaining a safe, respectful, and faith-filled environment is a shared responsibility. All clergy, employees, catechists, and volunteers who serve in our parish ministries participate in mandatory training, background checks, and ongoing compliance measures to ensure that our community remains a place where every person is valued and protected. Our parish also provides annual, age-appropriate safety instruction for children and youth in our catechetical programs, following the curriculum approved by the Eparchy.

We encourage all parishioners to remain attentive, informed, and supportive of these efforts. If you ever have questions about Safe Environment requirements, reporting procedures, or volunteer compliance, please contact our Parish Safe Environment Local Administrator. Together, as one community of faith, we strive to reflect Christ’s care by fostering a culture of protection, transparency, and accountability.

Background

The Safe Environment Program is part of the Catholic Church’s nationwide commitment to protect children, youth, and vulnerable persons. In accordance with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, every diocese and parish must maintain clear policies, training, and accountability measures to foster a culture of safety and transparency.

Objective

The Safe Environment Program aims to ensure all parish ministries, activities, and interactions involving minors are conducted safely, respectfully, and responsibly. This includes preventing abuse, promptly responding to concerns, supporting victims, and ensuring that all adults in positions of trust uphold the highest standards of conduct.

Protection, Transparency & Accountability

How It Is Implemented

Compliance with Eparchial Norms

The parish adheres to all Safe Environment policies issued by the eparchy, including the requirements of the USCCB Charter and its Essential Norms.

Screening & Background Checks

All clergy, employees, catechists, and volunteers who work with or around minors must complete required background checks and comply with diocesan screening standards.

Training & Education

Adults complete Safe Environment training (including Virtus) to understand appropriate boundaries, warning signs, and reporting responsibilities. Children and youth receive age-appropriate safety lessons each year.

Policies & Codes of Conduct

The parish follows diocesan Safe Environment policies and the USCCB Charter’s Essential Norms, including mandatory reporting of allegations to civil authorities.

Ongoing Compliance

Parish Safe Environment Local Site Administrator maintains records, monitors compliance, and ensures that all ministries follow established procedures.

Public Awareness

Information on policies, reporting procedures, and training requirements is available through the parish website, parish bulletins, the ministries involved in children’s programs, and diocesan resources.