The Diocese of Lansing offers a safe environment program to our Religious Educational students and Catholic Schools students. Parents are notified by each location (parish or school) prior to the program presentation with program content and program date. All adults providing the program to minors and youth are trained in the subject manner and content. Each location decides which of the two programs below they wish to present. Parents are provided with an Opt-Out form if they do not want their child(ren) to be present for the program. The program schedule date may differ from location to location.
CIRCLE OF GRACE PROGRAM
Kindergarten - 12th Grade
The Circle of Grace Program demonstrates the love and goodness of God that surrounds us and all others. Circle of Grace teaches 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. It holds your very essence in mind, heart, soul, and sexuality. The Circle of Grace program helps children and youth identify early on when they are uncomfortable with a situation and includes ways to seek the help of a trusted adult.
- Children/Young People will understand they are created by God and live in the love of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Children/Young People will be able to describe the Circle of Grace which God gives each of us.
- Children/Young People will be able to identify and maintain appropriate physical, emotional, spiritual,and sexual boundaries.
- Children/Young People will be able to identify all types of boundary violations.
- Children/Young People will demonstrate how to take action if any boundary is threatened or violated.
The kNOw Program
Kindergarten - 8th Grade
The kNOw Program is designed to equip children, parents/guardians, schools and parishes with the tools to “kNOw” how to identify, thwart, and report harmful behavior.
This program relies on the fundamental truth that each child is created and loved by God Himself and deserves to be safe and cared for. This is a life skill for our children.
Using methods developed by Mr. Fred Rogers, a great child educator of our time, and endorsed by physicians at the University of Michigan, The kNOw Program delivers life lessons about safety, respect, and empowerment in an accessible and trustworthy way to both children and adults.
One important key ingredient of The kNOw Program that sets us apart from all the other programs is the adult participation, the key adults in children’s lives. To keep our children safe and deter predators, we must educate adults in how to identify and respond to signs of abuse and reports of harm. Because of this, children and their parents/guardians will participate together in The kNOw Program
Protecting God's Children for Adults - VIRTUS®
The training for adults makes participants (employees or volunteers) aware of the signs of child sexual abuse, the methods and means by which offenders commit abuse along with 5 easy steps you can use to prevent child sexual abuse. Protecting God's Children also gives best practices when working and volunteering with minors and youth. There are videos: A Time to Protect God's Children™ and A Plan to Protect God's Children™. The training is available online (1.5 hours) or in person (2+ hours). A refresher training for adults is required every 5 years to continue serving with minor and youth. Please check with your location to determine which training option you will need.