The Office of Safe Environment

In accordance with Articles 12 and 13 of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, all parishes, schools, and agencies in the Archdiocese of Atlanta “are to maintain “safe environment” programs which the diocesan/eparchial bishop deems to be in accord with Catholic moral principles… to provide education and training for children, youth, parents, ministers, educators, volunteers, and others about ways to make and maintain a safe environment for children and young people. Dioceses/eparchies are to make clear to clergy and all members of the community the standards of conduct for clergy and other persons in positions of trust with regard to children and/or vulnerable individuals.”

The Office of Safe Environment is responsible for implementing and overseeing the full Archdiocesan response to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (the Charter). One of the primary duties of the Office of Safe Environment is coordinating the YOU MATTER program, communicating the policies surrounding YOU MATTER, and ensuring that parishes and schools remain in compliance with YOU MATTER. To that end, the Office of Safe Environment provides educational training programs and presentations to assist staff members in becoming familiar with the Charter and the YOU MATTER program. In addition, this Office organizes the annual audits required by the Charter and oversees the internal investigation process relating to child abuse allegations involving church personnel.

Please see below our programs:

You are encouraged to download and read the Charter document (and other valuable material) from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website on the Child & Youth Protection page at www.usccb.org/ocyp/

Jennifer Broel
Director of Safe Environment
jbroel@archatl.com