VANCOUVER—The archdiocese’s abuse prevention ministry is now running under a new name.
The program, which was introduced as Protecting God’s Children at the close of 2009, has been rebranded the Safe Environment Policy.
“It’s not the most crIeative name, but it’s the term (used) by a lot of churches,” said coordinator Sharon Goh. In her research, she found 80 per cent of dioceses in Canada and the U.S.A. use the “safe environment” language.
Protecting God’s Children was started five years ago to prevent the abuse of children, Goh explained.
The program mandated a screening process for church employees or volunteers who might serve young ones. As time went on, however, it became clear children were not the only ones at risk.
“It’s about vulnerable people, which would include children, youth, and people who might be ill or dependent on people who come to minister to them,” like the handicapped, elderly, or homeless. Goh said the new name avoids that confusion.
Along with the name change comes more attention to education. Starting in January, parishes will be encouraged to run workshops on abuse awareness and prevention.
While Protecting God’s Children was previously run under the archdiocesan Human Resources Office, it now functions independently as the Safe Environment Policy Office. The name change came into effect Jan. 1.
