Safe Environment
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The Diocese of Salt Lake City is committed to ensuring the safety of children, young people and vulnerable adults and providing pastoral outreach to victims and survivors of sexual abuse by clergy.
Promise to Protect, Pledge to Heal
"Families need to know that the Church is making every effort to protect their children. They should also know that they have every right to turn to the Church with full confidence, for it is a safe and secure home. Consequently, priority must not be given to any other kind of concern, whatever its nature, such as the desire to avoid scandal, since there is absolutely no place in ministry for those who abuse minors." Pope Francis (2/2/2015)
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Below you will find five different trainings, some for specific age groups.1. Adult Certification: Child & Youth Protection Training
AGES 18+ This training course is intended for adults only. To begin training, select: "CMG CONNECT: SAFE HAVEN IT'S UP TO ME."For step-by-step instructions on how to create an account or log into an existing account in CMG Connect, press: Instruction Help.Compliance in the Diocese of Salt Lake City
Safe Environment compliance in the Diocese of Salt Lake City is a prerequisite to ensure that all those whose duties include contact with children and youth are in compliance with the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. All diocesan personnel and volunteers must comply with diocesan policies and with applicable state and local laws. Certification is required every three (3) years."Safe Haven - It's Up To You"
The certification training entitled “Safe Haven-It’s Up to You” is a three-part video series that provides vignettes of real-life situations to educate the viewer about methods of grooming, desensitization, bullying and neglect, all of which can lead to abuse. The training identifies and reinforces the prevalence of sexual abuse, behaviors and grooming techniques of predators and what a person should do if there is suspicion or evidence of abuse.The Diocese of Salt Lake City utilizes a web-based database plaform entitled CMG Connect to train, track and manage compliance of personnel and volunteers. CMG Connect assists to ensure that all personnel and volunteers who are in a position of trust with children, youth and vulnerable adults within our schools and parishes are trained to recognize behavior patterns of potential abusers and provide pro-active measures for preventing abuse in any context. Additionally, the platform offers a streamlined screening process for personnel and volunteers by use of a secure on-line background check program entitled, Selection.com.Please use GOOGLE CHROME or MICROSOFT EDGE to complete the training error-free. FIREFOX will not run the training videos properly.2. Youth Minor Training: Volunteering with Children
AGES 11-17 This training course is intended for youth between the ages of 11 and 17 interested in volunteering with other youth or young children. Select: "YOUTH MINOR TRAINING" to begin training.For step-by-step instructions on how to create an account or log into an existing account press, Instruction Help.Annual Certification is Required.The Diocese of Salt Lake City Office of Safe Environment has established Code of Conduct Guidelines for Youth (ages 11 to 17) working and volunteering with other Youth or Children. These guidelines do not supersede state law or the Utah Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS).These guidelines are intended to assist Youth with interactions among other youth or young children in a parish, school or organization. It is expected all Youth volunteers will demonstrate good moral character so as to serve as Christian role models. The training is provided through the CMG Connect database training platform.PLEASE REGISTER ON THE CMG CONNECT SITE BY SELECTING THE PARTICIPATION ROLE ENTITLED YOUTH MINOR.3. Children's Circle of Grace Training
Ages: 3-18
When enrolled in religious education classes in a parish or school the annual training of Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 is required. Site Administrators can access the training by selecting the Resources icon in the CMG Connect database platform.What is the Circle of Grace?
It is the love and goodness of God that surrounds us and all others. It is the recognition that God is with us always and is there to help us in difficult situations. Through the Circle of Grace Program, adults assist children and youth to recognize God’s love by understanding that each of us lives and moves within a Circle of Grace. Your Circle of Grace holds who you are in your body and through your senses. It holds your very essence in mind, heart, soul, and sexuality. An added benefit to the Circle of Grace program is that instructors also have the opportunity to ponder their own belief and experience God’s presence in their own lives.What is the goal of Circle of Grace?
The goal of the Circle of Grace program is to educate and empower children and youth to actively participate in a safe environment for themselves and others. Children and youth will understand they are created by God and live in the love of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.Where do I find Circle of Grace Materials?
All parishes and schools are provided with and have on-line access to the Circle of Grace materials (i.e., Director of Religious Education or Principal/Theology Educator). Circle of Grace curriculum materials are available for authorized site administrators with access to the CMG Connect Database Platform. If you are a Director of Religious Education, Principal, Theology Teacher or Safe Environment Coordinator and need access to the materials, please contact the Diocesan Office of Safe Environment.4. Ministry to the Sick (EM II) Training
ALL Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers Level 2SELECT "EM II: MINISTRY TO THE SICK" to begin training.For step-by-step instructions on how to create a new account, or login to an existing account in CMG Connect, go to Instructions Help.Safe Environment compliance in the Diocese of Salt Lake City is a prerequisite to ministering to the sick or homebound (vulnerable adults). The training provides a basic awareness of what to look for if there is reason to believe the person/vulnerable adult is being abused. Certification is required every three (3) years.The training is a brief overview of the following:- Definition of Vulnerable Adult
- Mental Capacity Assessment
- What is Adult Abuse
- Types of Abuse
- Reporting Abuse and Sharing of Information
The training requires a background screening; in accordance with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). All diocesan personnel and volunteers must comply with diocesan policies and with applicable state and local laws.5. Intruder Security/Active Shooter Training
Preparing for and Responding to an Active Shooter Situation in our Churches and Schools.
SELECT: "Intruder Security/Active Shooter Training" to begin. For step-by-step instructions on how to create an account or log into an existing account press, Instruction Help.Resources, guidelines and forms are available by logging into CMG Connect and selecting Resources located at the top of the platform screen.Locking doors shortly after Mass begins is suggested, but is not a requirement of the Diocese and is determined by the Parish priest.In the wake of many recent tragedies, mass shootings and other violent acts have become all too familiar. Our churches and schools are not immune from shootings and we can no longer afford to believe: "It will never happen here." We must become aware of our surroundings and develop procedures to prepare for a situation "when" it happens and not "if" it happens. In the event of a threat, having no safety/security plan in place creates chaos and fear. With a plan in place, there is structure and organized actions. We must be proactive to keep property, and more importantly, all of God's children safe from harm.As part of preparing for an active shooter situation, training is offered through the CMG Connect database platform. The training consists of two videos. The first video, presented in a school setting, contains three scenarios, RUN - HIDE - FIGHT, in response to an active shooter situation. The second video provides information and instruction on preparing for an active shooter situation.The Intruder Security Training is highly recommended for Clergy, Ushers, Catechists, Employees, Knights of Columbus, Principals/Administrators and Teachers. The training is optional for Volunteers, however, it is highly recommended and is available in the CMG Connect training platform under the "Optional Trainings" section. Background screenings are not required.
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Letter from Bishop Solis
Dear Friends,The Preamble to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People cites:We, who have been given the responsibility of shepherding God’s people, will, with his help and in full collaboration with all the faithful, continue to work to restore the bonds of truth that unite us. Words alone cannot accomplish this goal. It will begin with the actions we take in our General Assembly and at home in our dioceses and eparchies.In keeping with the guidelines outlined in the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, Article 12, I am pleased to renew the Diocese’s continued commitment for the following Safe Environment programs. The approved trainings are in accordance with Catholic moral teaching and meet the diocesan standards in training objectives.Circle of Grace is presented annually to all students Pre-K through 12th grade enrolled in parish and school faith formation programs. Circle of Grace provides age-appropriate materials on how children and youth can keep themselves safe. The Circle of Grace program teaches children and young people to seek help from a trusted adult, reinforcing God’s presence in their real life struggles. Through the Circle of Grace program, adults assist children and youth to recognize God’s love by understanding that each of us lives and moves within a Circle of Grace.CMG Connect is a web-based database platform that assists to ensure that all employees and volunteers who are in a position of trust with children and vulnerable adults within our schools and parishes are trained to recognize behavior patterns of potential abusers and provide pro-active measures for preventing abuse in any context. CMG Connect also provides a streamlined screening process for employees and volunteers by use of a secure on-line background check.“Safe Haven-It’s Up to You” is a three-part video series that provides vignettes of real-life situations to educate the viewer about methods of grooming, desensitization, bullying and neglect, all of which can lead to abuse. The training identifies and reinforces the prevalence of sexual abuse; behaviors and grooming techniques of predators; and what a person should do if there is suspicion or evidence of abuse.I would like to acknowledge with great appreciation all those who contribute time and effort to assuring the safety of our children. May our efforts continue to be richly blessed and sustained daily by the Holy Spirit, who renews our faith and trust, helping us to move from darkness into the Lord’s glorious light. I remain,
Sincerely yours in the Lord,
Most Reverend Oscar A. Solis
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There are four categories for reporting abuse: Children and Youth, Vulnerable Adults, Clergy (priests and deacons), and Bishops. If you are interested in reporting a code of conduct violation and not an allegation of abuse, please see "Reporting Code of Conduct Violations" in the next section.The first obligation of the Church with regard to victims is for healing and reconciliation. The Office of Safe Environment is charged with creating a safe and compassionate environment for victims to come forward while ensuring that civil authorities are notified and victims and their families are provided with counseling and other assistance in the healing process.If you observe or have reason to believe that a child, young person or vulnerable adult has been subjected to abuse by a priest, deacon, employee or volunteer of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, you must report the alleged abuse to local law enforcement and state agencies, and you must notify the Diocesan Office of Safe Environment at 801-328-8641, x344.For law enforcement and agency contact information, visit the Resources section below.1. Reporting Abuse of Children and Youth
Children and Youth In response to the clergy sexual abuse of minors, in 2002, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) adopted the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The Office of Safe Environment of the Diocese of Salt Lake City was created that same year to help ensure that children and youth in the care of the Church are protected from sexual abuse. Please review the diocesan policy on Instructions for Reporting Alleged Abuse in Schools and Parishes.The Diocese of Salt Lake City is committed to ensuring the health and safety of young people within its community. Anyone who has been a victim of abuse or exploitation by clergy, religious or lay Church personnel and has not yet reported the incident is encouraged to do so. The Victim Assistance Coordinator is available to assist in making a report. The contact number for the Victim Assistance Coordinator is (801) 328-8641, ext. 344.2. Reporting Abuse of Vulnerable Adults
Vulnerable Adults
What is the definition of a Vulnerable Adult?At a minimum, according to Utah Code Section 76-5-111, is “a “Dependent adult" which means an individual 18 years old or older, who has a physical or mental impairment that restricts the individual's ability to carry out normal activities or to protect the individual's rights.”Statistics tell us that the abuse of vulnerable adults is more emotional, physical, and financial as opposed to sexual abuse that has been reported to be one percent of the cases of abuse. In the United States, approximately 500,000 allegations of abuse of vulnerable adults are reported to Adult Protective Services each year, but it is thought that a very small percentage of cases are ever reported. Studies indicate that as many as 10 percent of the vulnerable adult population is subject to abuse and that only one in six will ever be reported.The Diocese of Salt Lake City is committed to ensuring the health and safety of young people within its community. Anyone who has been a victim of abuse or exploitation by clergy, religious or lay Church personnel and has not yet reported the incident is encouraged to do so. The Victim Assistance Coordinator is available to assist in making a report. The contact number for the Victim Assistance Coordinator is (801) 328-8641, ext. 344.3. Reporting Abuse by Clergy (Priests and Deacons)
In 2003, as part of the 2002 USCCB's Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the Diocese of Salt Lake City conducted a thorough internal review of its files going back 50 years. The list was posted on the Diocesan website at the end of 2018.Diocesan Statement on Clergy Abuse Allegations
In an effort to demonstrate transparency and accountability, Bishop Oscar A. Solis of the Diocese of Salt Lake City committed to having a full independent review of all clergy files going beyond the 50 years of the 2003 internal review and including files for all past and present priests and deacons within the Diocese. The Diocese of Salt Lake City retained a former investigator from the Federal Bureau of Intelligence and a retired detective of the Salt Lake City Police Department who were given full access to over 900 clergy files covering all files in existence in the Diocese of Salt Lake City without any oversite from anyone within the Diocese. The purpose of this independent file review was to locate any incidents, reports, or suspicions of abuse of minors or vulnerable adults.Beginning in June 2019, the independent file review verified the accuracy of the 2003 internal review, and going beyond 50 years, to include all past and present files of all priests and deacons within the Diocese. At the end of July 2019, the independent file review was completed. The results of the 2019 independent file review were provided to the Diocese. The findings of the 2019 independent review are shared in a Report to the People of God from the Most Reverend Oscar A. Solis, D.D., Bishop of Salt Lake City. The list released in 2018 has been updated to include all findings of the 2019 independent review.- Memorandum from The Most Reverend Oscar A. Solis, D.D.: Updated Report to the People of God, Sep. 21, 2019
- Independent Review Report
- Glossary of Terms
The Diocese of Salt Lake City is committed to ensuring the health and safety of young people within its community. Anyone who has been a victim of abuse or exploitation by clergy, religious or lay Church personnel and has not yet reported the incident is encouraged to do so. The Victim Assistance Coordinator is available to assist in making a report. The contact number for the Victim Assistance Coordinator is (801) 328-8641, ext. 344.4. Reporting Abuse by a Bishop
Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service (CBAR)
What is CBAR?
This service is in place to gather and relay reports of sexual misconduct involving bishops of the United States, and reports of their intentional interference in a sexual abuse investigation.If you need to report sexual abuse by a priest, deacon, religious brother or sister, or layperson working for the Church in the Diocese of Salt Lake City, please contact the Office of Safe Environment at [email protected] or call 801-328-8641.How to Report Abuse by a Bishop
If you have suffered sexual abuse by a bishop, you can make a report online at https://www.reportbishopabuse.org/ or by calling 1-800-276-1562.Learn more about this service here: https://www.reportbishopabuse.org/faqsThe Diocese of Salt Lake City is committed to ensuring the safety of children, young people and vulnerable adults and providing pastoral outreach to victims and survivors of sexual abuse by clergy.
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How To Report Concerning, Suspicious or Unethical Behaviors or Incidents
Use this report form for any concerning, suspicious, or unethical behavior, boundary violations, or communications by clergy, religious, diocesan/parish/agency employees, or volunteers that violate the Diocese of Salt Lake City Codes of Conduct.- Code of Ethical Standards
- Code of Conduct for Adults
Código de Conducta Para Adultos - Code of Conduct for Minors
Código de Conducta Para Menores
This Report Form is NOT for Reporting Abuse, only Code of Conduct violationsIf you observe or have reason to believe that a child or vulnerable adult has been subjected to abuse by a priest, deacon, employee or volunteer of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, or on diocesan property, you must report the alleged abuse to DCFS and/or local law enforcement and state agencies, and you must notify the Diocesan Office of Safe Environment at 801-328-8641, x344 or email [email protected].
Instructions for Reporting Abuse of a Child or Vulnerable Adult can be found the previous section.
This Report Form is NOT for Reporting accidentsIf you need to report an accident, please contact your local parish, school, or ministry site. If you need further assistance, you may also contact the Chancellor's Office.
This Report Form is NOT for Reporting other concernsIf you are a parent who has an other concern with your child(ren), please contact the school in accordance with the school's policy. If you are a parishioner who has an other concern that is not a code of conduct or code of ethical standards violation, please contact the parish administrator/pastor to address your concern.Reporting Violations
This report is specifically for addressing Code of Conduct or Ethical Standards violations and will be directed to the parish or school administrator to address as per diocesan policy.TimelineThis report form should be completed as close as possible to the day/time the violation occurred.ReportersThis report form can be completed by eyewitnesses to an incident/violation (preferably adults) or by the parish/school administrator, staff, or other person of authority.Reporting ProcessAll reports will be directed to the parish/school administrator (Pastor/Principal) to address. The administrator will contact the reporter if further information is needed.File Your ReportFollow Up
Important Note to Parish/School AdministratorsA copy of the completed report must be kept on file at the parish/school/organization permanently.At the end of the form, you can print a copy of your answers by clicking on the 3 dots at the top, right-side of the "Your Response Was Submitted" screen as seen below.
Please retain the hardcopy in your safe environment records: Code of Conduct Violations folder, as they may requested during an audit. Please retain a second copy with the individual's safe environment record keeping if they committed a violation.
If you have any questions, please contact our Office of Safe Environment. Information provided below. - Code of Ethical Standards
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Best Practices for Responding to a Child's Disclosure of Abuse
It can be very hard for children and young people to reveal abuse. Only a minority of children or young people actively disclose abuse. Often they fear there may be consequences. Some children and young people delay telling someone about abuse for a long time, while others never tell anyone, even if they want to. Most child abuse is disclosed accidentally or through observation by an adult of a child’s or young person's behavior, words and physical appearance. When a child does disclose abuse, this needs to be taken very seriously. Children value being believed and, as the adult they have chosen to tell, it's vital that any disclosure is dealt with appropriately.
Please review the document entitled Responding to a Child's Disclosure of Abuse. This document provides adults with best practices and helpful information for responding to a disclosure of abuse in a calm, assuring manner. Please use the Allegation Intake Form to document the disclosure of abuse.
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Prayers for Healing
“However dark things are, goodness always re-emerges…human beings have arisen time after time from situations that seemed doomed. Such is the power of the resurrection, and all who evangelize are instruments of that power.” (The Joy of the Gospel – Pope Francis)
A Prayer for Healing Victims of Abuse
God of endless love,ever caring, ever strong,always present, always just:You gave your only Sonto save us by his blood on the cross.Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace,join to your own sufferingthe pain of all who have been hurtin body, mind, and spiritby those who betrayed the trust placed in them.Hear the cries of our brothers and sisterswho have been gravely harmed,and the cries of those who love them.Soothe their restless hearts with hope,steady their shaken spirits with faith.Grant them justice for their cause,enlightened by your truth.Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts,heal your people’s woundsand transform brokenness into wholeness.Grant us the courage and wisdom,humility and grace, to act with justice.Breathe wisdom into our prayers and labors.Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace in justice.We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.Copyright © 2014, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved.To order publication no. 7-495, visit usccbpublishing.org or call 877-978-0757Also available as downloadable PDFs: Prayer Card (Bilingual English/Spanish)Rosary for Healing
Pray the Rosary for Healing & Protection created by the USCCB Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection.Prayers of the Faithful
- We pray for the Holy Spirit to guide Church leaders as they promote justice and
healing for victims and survivors of abuse. - We pray for our Holy Father, that he may fulfill his role as good shepherd, and
protect the most vulnerable in his flock. - May all civic leaders act in ways that show their commitment to the protection of
all, especially children and young people. - May all who work with children and young people be vigilant in protecting them
from harm. - We pray that all families strive to provide safe and nurturing environments for
children and young people. - May those who have been abused experience Christ’s profound love for them
and God’s healing grace. - May God the Merciful Father bring comfort and healing to victims and survivors
of sexual abuse within the Church. - We pray that all who provide help for the abused may act with wisdom and
compassion in their healing ministries. - We pray that God may grant those affected by abuse in anyway the courage to tell
their story and seek healing. - May all priests and religious, through their teaching and witness, lead children
and young people to holiness. - We pray that the bishops continue to carry out their promise to protect, and
pledge to heal, the most vulnerable in their dioceses. - We pray that all parish communities affected by abuse find healing and
reconciliation through the Blessed Virgin Mary.
- We pray for the Holy Spirit to guide Church leaders as they promote justice and
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April is Designated National Child Abuse Prevention Month
We are called through scripture and teaching to protect the life and dignity of the human person. Throughout the year, but especially in the month of April, all are asked to increase awareness, to educate ourselves and the community, and to seek healing for those who have been so tragically impacted.
The Catholic Church is absolutely committed to the safety of children. Together we can make a Promise to Protect, and a Pledge to Heal. - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
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Diocesan Documents
- Safe Environment Program Policy Manual: 2022 SEP, Rev. 2025
- Safe Environment Handbook
- DRE Appointment Form
- Local Safe Environment Coordinator (SEC) Appointment Form
- Youth Ministry
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Local, State and National
- UT State Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS)
- Adult Protective Services
- Prevent Child AbuseUtah
- CDC: Violence Prevention
- National Sex Offender Search
- Utah Sexual Offender Registry
- Victims of Crime Assistance
- Victim Advocate Contact Information
- Children's Justice Center
Law Enforcement Agencies
- Salt Lake City Police Department
- Salt Lake County Sheriff's Department
- Greater Salt Lake Area Unified Police Department
- Utah State Highway Patrol
- Beaver County Sheriff's Office
- Box Elder County Sheriff's Office
- Cache County Sheriff's Office
- Carbon County Sheriff's Office
- Davis County Sheriff's Office
- Duchesne County Sheriff's Office
- Emery County Sheriff's Office
- Garfield County Sheriff's Office
- Grand County Sheriff's Office
- Iron County Sheriff's Office
- Millard County Sheriff's Office
- Morgan County Sheriff's Office
- Piute County Sheriff's Office
- Rich County Sheriff's Office
- San Juan County Sheriff's Office
- Sanpete County Sheriff's Office
- Sevier County Sheriff's Office
- Summit County Sheriff's Office
- Tooele County Sheriff's Office
- Wasatch County Sheriff's Office
- Weber County Sheriff's Office
- Uintah County Sheriff's Office
- Utah County Sheriff's Office
- Washington County Sheriff's Office
- Wayne County Sheriff's Office
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Safe Environment Contacts
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Dir. Marriage and Family Life, Dir. of Safe Environment, Victim Assistance Coordinator
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John Jurkowskijohn.jurkowskidioslc.orgProgram Specialist for Safe Environment
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Mandi Knarasmandi.knarasdioslc.orgSpecialist for Safe Environment and Marriage and Family Life and Office of Vocations
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