Creating a Safe Environment

At Mary Immaculate, the safety of the vulnerable, children, and those at risk is our highest priority. We screen all volunteers and adhere to the requirements of the Diocese of Dallas Safe Environment program.

Each year we ask all volunteers who are ministering to these vulnerable people to become Safe Environment cleared, all returning volunteers will renew their certification, and our youth will have a series on staying safe called ‘Virtus’.

Safe Environment Clearance

At Mary Immaculate, if you are a new volunteer who needs to be Safe Environment Cleared, here are the steps.

  1. Complete the Diocese Screening Form. To do this, please make an appointment with Erma Perez in the Main Office.

  2. Watch the “Family of Faith” video (made available in the office)

  3. Read through three documents:

    • Diocese of Dallas Safe Environment Program for Diocesan Entities

    • Policy on Sexual Misconduct for the Diocese of Dallas

    • Diocesan Policy for Social Media

  4. Sign and return the Safe Environment Program Booklet Acknowledgement form.

Renew your certification

At Mary Immaculate, if you were Safe Environment cleared last year, you need to renew your certification. To do so, please watch the following video. Then, come to the office to sign the renewal certificate.

Virtus

At Mary Immaculate, every year, our youth gather to learn about abuse prevention. The Teaching Safety – Empowering God’s Children program is provided from the Diocese of Dallas and is part of our ongoing effort to maintain and create safe environment for our children and vulnerable to thrive. This program does not include our PreK students.

Each year, the Religious Education department will provide parents and guardians with the date, further information, and an optional opt-out letter. As a parent, you have the right to decide if you would like your child to participate in this program.

For further information and resources, contact our Safe Environment Coordinator.

Reporting Abuse

If you have been physically abused by a member of the clergy, or Church personnel, at any point in your life, OR if you know someone who has been, please report the abuse to Law Enforcement or the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services at 1.800.252.5400 or  WWW.TXABUSEHOTLINE.ORG

You may also contact the Diocesan Victims’ Assistance Coordinator, Barbara Landregan at 214.379.2812