In the Diocese of Syracuse (Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse, NY), Safe Environment training is part of the broader Child and Youth Protection Program, aligned with the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. It focuses on preventing child sexual abuse through education, boundary awareness, recognizing predatory behaviors, reporting procedures, and fostering a culture of vigilance.

Who Needs Initial Safe Environment Training

(Adults, Age 18+)

The Diocesan Child and Youth Protection Policy mandates initial training (a one-time 2-hour in-person session, often called Protecting God’s Children or PGC) upon assumption of duties, employment, or volunteer service, along with a criminal background check. This applies to:

• All clergy (priests, deacons, etc.).
• All members of religious orders.
• All parish and diocesan employees — including those with no direct contact with children, youth, or vulnerable adults.
• Adult volunteers whose ministry or role involves regular contact with children, young people, or vulnerable adults (e.g., coaches, catechists, youth group leaders).
• All liturgical ministers, including:
  • Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.
  • Music Ministry (cantors, choir members, instrumentalists).
  • Sacristans.
  • Adult altar servers.
  • Leaders of liturgical ministries.
  • Lectors/readers, commentators, greeters, ushers.
  • Those involved in homebound ministry.
• Coaches and substitute teachers — must complete credentialing before starting duties.
• Any adult interested in learning more about child abuse prevention (optional but encouraged). syracusediocese.org

Note: Employees and volunteers under 18 are not required to attend due to the sensitive topics (no one under 16 is permitted; 16-17-year-olds may attend only with written parental permission).

Re-Certification (Every 5 Years)All those listed above must renew their credentials every five years with a shorter (1.5-hour) in-person re-certification session and updated background check. Failure to do so suspends credentials, prohibiting participation in relevant programs until completed.

Training for Children and Youth

All dioceses in the US (including Syracuse) must provide age-appropriate Safe Environment training for children and youth in parish catechetical programs, schools, and similar settings. This covers personal safety, appropriate/inappropriate boundaries and behaviors (with peers, adults, family), and related topics like sexting for older grades. It helps children recognize and report concerns.

Why Is This Required?

• To implement the USCCB Charter goals: creating safe environments, preventing abuse, healing/reconciling with victims, responding effectively to allegations, cooperating with civil authorities, and ensuring accountability. syracusediocese.org
• It educates on recognizing risks, maintaining healthy boundaries, mandatory reporting, and vigilance to protect children, youth, and vulnerable adults in parishes, schools, and diocesan programs.
• Compliance is audited; the policy applies to all under diocesan auspices, promoting a proactive culture of safety rooted in Catholic teachings. syracusediocese.org

Training sessions are in-person only (not online), require pre-registration, and have strict timing/age rules. For the latest schedule, forms, policy documents, or to register, visit the official page: syracusediocese.org/safe-environment or contact the Office of Safe Environment (315-470-1421 or relevant emails).

Details can change, so check the diocese website or policy PDF directly for the most current requirements.