The Ministry of Safe Environment has a revised message and image

Beginning July 1, the revised safe environment policies of the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau will be in effect. Archbishop Andrew Bellisario, C.M., announced the revised policies after a multi-year effort to update procedures and policies in his commitment to continually improve and adjust to this vital ministry, meet the needs of the archdiocese, and respond to our changing world. 

When the new archdiocese was created in 2020, one priority was to ensure safe environment policies were in place from the beginning. There has been one update which included an addendum for clarification, but not a full revision. This effort to revise our policies and procedures has been a multi-year process, taking into account the consultation, recommendations and comments from national auditors, safe environment coordinators, staff, parishioners, parents, diocesan offices of faith formation and Catholic schools, the chancellor’s office, legal counsel, and the archdiocesan review board. 

This article will highlight a few of the changes, but everyone is encouraged to review the policies, not just those who are required due to their position or ministerial role.

One primary revision is the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau safe environment policies have changed from one policy which was referred to as the Pastoral Policies, to three distinct policies: 1. Safe Environment Compliance Policies, 2. Standards of Ministerial Conduct Policies, and 3. Sexual Misconduct and Abuse Policies. 

The Safe Environment Compliance Policies add greater clarification to which volunteer roles and ministries are required to meet safe environment compliance. Compliance requirements include a background investigation, completion of safe environment training and acknowledgement of the standards of ministerial conduct. 

One significant change is that minor children employed or volunteering in a ministerial role will need their parents to complete a background acknowledgement form. This replaces authorization for a background check, which is required for adults. Included in this policy is the designation of ministerial roles based on age clarifying the allowed responsibilities held by minors. It also discusses the addition of defined ratios acceptable of the number of adult ministers to the number of minors based on age. 

The Standards of Ministerial Conduct Policies describes in more detail establishment of ministerial boundaries and appropriate and inappropriate behaviors. It also includes policies regarding communications, online conduct and internet use, procedures if bullying occurs, the use/possession of alcohol, tobacco, drugs and firearms during archdiocesan events with minors and vulnerable adults, and conduct specifically when ministering to minors and vulnerable adults. The Standards of Ministerial Conduct is the policy that is required to be acknowledged in the online safe environment training. 

The Sexual Misconduct and Abuse Policies is the policy with fewer revisions, but it remains very important for the people of the Church to understand the procedures in place related to sexual misconduct and abuse.  

A Safe Environment Procedure Manual will accompany these policies to guide ministers in their work with practical application for their ministry and the requirements of the archdiocese and the church to establish a safe, secure, supportive, protective and nurturing environment for everyone.

As we approach a new academic year, I encourage all to look for Safe Environment pamphlets and posters in your parish or school as well as on their websites. You should find revised brochures, posters and information communicating clearly what policies and procedures are expected and required to ensure all people of the archdiocese, especially our most vulnerable, children, youth and vulnerable adults, are protected. 

The policies and procedures are also available on the archdiocesan website at https://aoaj.org/safe-environment or you can scan the QR code below. Please don’t hesitate to contact the archdiocesan Office of Safe Environment for any questions or information. 

We all have a role in supporting the dignity of everyone, especially those most vulnerable our children, youth and vulnerable adults. Protecting them from any form of abuse, exploitation and abuse of power is a responsibility we all share.