Safe Environment

• ​Safe Environment Policy

• Code of Professional Conduct

• Social Media Policy 

• Education/Training

• Parish Safe Environment Coordinators' List

• School Safe Environment Coordinators' List

• Statistics on Child Abuse

• Did You Know?

• What to do if you suspect child abuse

• Safe Environment Portal

Mission Statement 

The Office of Safe Environment oversees the implementation of the diocesan program, “A Safe Environment for the Protection of Children and Young People.” The Office provides educatio n resources for children, clergy, religious, and laity (employees and volunteers) in the prevention of and recognition of child abuse. This Office is also responsible for processing criminal history checks on all clergy, religious, and laity who have contact with minors.  

You must follow all applicable civil laws for reporting instances of suspected child abuse.

• Your report is a request for an investigation, not an accusation.

• You should report EACH incident of suspected abuse

• As diocesan priest/employee/volunteer, you should report to your immediate supervisor and Pastor, and together you should make the report to Office of Community Services/law enforcement.

• If suspected abuse is related to a diocesan/ church/ school program, or if abuse occurred by anyone acting in church services, a report must also be made to Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator, Joseph Pisano, Jr., at 337-298-2987, as well as to Maureen Fontenot, Chancellor.

Within 5 days of oral report, mandatory reporters are required to complete the following form and submit to Office of Community Services:

• Department of Social Services, Office of Community Services: Written Report Form For Mandated Reporters of Child Abuse / Neglect

How to Report Abuse: 

If suspected abuse is by a parent or caretaker, call   855-4LA-KIDS (855-452-5437)
If suspected abuse is by someone other than parent or caretaker, call your local law enforcement agency.

INFORMATION NEEDED FOR REPORT

If known, provide:

• Name, address, age, sex and race of child  

• Nature, extent and cause of child’s injuries or endangered condition including any previously known or suspected abuse to the child or to the child’s parent or caretaker

• Child’s family composition

• Names and ages of all other members of the child’s household

• Account of how this child came to the reporter’s attention

• Any explanation of the cause of the child’s injury or condition offered by the child, caretaker or any other person

• Any other information which the reporter believes might be important

• The report shall also name the person or persons who thought to have caused or contributed to the child’s condition, if known, and the report shall contain the name of such person if he is named by the child.

• Faith and Safety (USCCB)

• A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety (FBI)

• Hearts of Hope; Children’s Advocacy Center, Sexual Abuse Response Center

• Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault

• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

• National Crime Prevention Council

• Netsmartz

• Safety for Kids and Teens

• USCCB Child and Youth Protection

• Child Rescue Network

• Stand for Hope (The Center for Children and Families)