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April 17-23, 2020 facebook.com/FloridaCatholic
YOUR PALM BEACH COMMUNITY
CECILIA PADILLA
of the Florida Catholic staff
PALM BEACH GARDENS As updates on COVID-19 continue to dominate the news, the Safe Envi- ronments Office of the Diocese of Palm Beach is maintaining focus on the care and protection of children and vulnerable adults through this time of isolation. For Lisa Linnell, administrator of education and training programs for the Office of Safe Environments, the recent changes brought about by social distancing and Florida's man- date to shelter in place are unprec- edented challenges for families and vulnerable populations. As a result, Linnell, along with Kathy Casey, administrator of background screening, are work- ing harder than ever to protect and heal victims of abuse. Their work is supported by staff and volunteers throughout the diocese who under- go training through Virtus, which offers a variety of programs tailored to identifying signs of abuse among children and adults. Anyone em- ployed or volunteering in the dio- cese whose role requires interacting with children, youth or vulnerable adults is required to take the course every five years. Students in Catho- lic schools and religious education programs also participate in this program as a part of their education. In preparation for National Child Abuse Prevention Month this April, Linnell and Casey led the Office of Safe Environments through new processes that encouraged the Dio- cese of Palm Beach to examine its procedures of protecting children and vulnerable adults. A major change this past year was hosting auditors from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, who visited eight to 10 entities in the Diocese of Palm Beach. These include parishes, schools and other Catholic organi- zations affiliated with the diocese. Linell said the live audit is con- ducted every three years by the con- ference, which oversees the imple- mentation of the Charter of Protec- tion of Children and Young People. However, it was a first for the audi- tors to visit the schools and parishes in person, where they interviewed staff to ensure that Virtus training and background screening were be- ing properly conducted. We successfully passed the live audit this year," Linnell said. "This is in addition to the paper audit we do every year. What's great about a live audit is that they identify the areas in which to improve safety measures and give you guidance on how to maintain a strong level of communication among parishes and schools." For the 2018-19 audit, the Diocese of Palm Beach educated 14,987 chil- dren in personal safety through the Virtus Empowering God's Children
Diocese renews commitment to protect, heal victims of abuse
For information on dioc- esan policies and procedures for reporting abuse, as well as to view the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and Code of Pastoral Conduct, visit diocesepb.org/safe-environments Learn more about National Child Abuse Prevention Month by visiting childwelfare.gov/topics/ preventing/preventionmonth Download U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' educational resources on abuse prevention at usccb.org/about/communications/ bishops-resources/index.cfm Read about the Five Days of Action through the YMCA Guardians for Child Protection at fivedaysofaction.org The Florida abuse hotline is 1-800-962-2873
FYI
Dr. Paul Ashton leads a workshop on the protection of children and vulnerable adults for diocesan priests throughout the Diocese of Palm Beach, Feb. 3-6. This workshop was part of the ongoing training priests are required to renew every five years through the Virtus program. (COURTESY)
Novena
for Protection and Healing from Abuse
Intercessions
Day 1:
May the most vulnerable be protected from all types of abuse and exploitation.
Day 2:
May those who have been sexually abused receive comfort and healing.
Day 3:
May those who work with children and young people be vigilant in protecting them from harm.
Day 4:
May those who provide help for the abused act with wisdom and compassion in their healing ministries.
Day 5:
May all families strive to provide safe and nurturing environments for children and young people.
Day 6:
May all those who have committed abuse acknowledge the harm they have done, repent, and accept justice that ultimately comes from God.
Day 7:
May those who have been abused receive the courage to tell their story, and may they be believed and supported.
Day 8:
May Church leaders, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, promote justice and healing for survivors of abuse.
Day 9:
May our Holy Father, Pope Francis, fulfill his role as good shepherd and protect the most vulnerable in his flock.
Prayers
Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be, Prayer for Healing
Prayer for Healing
G
od of endless love, ever caring, ever strong, always present, always just: You gave your only Son to save us by his blood on the cross. Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace, join to your own suffering the pain of all who have been hurt in body, mind, and spirit by those who betrayed the trust placed in them. Hear the cries of our brothers and sisters who have been gravely harmed, and the cries of those who love them. Soothe their restless hearts with hope, steady their shaken spirits with faith. Grant them justice for their cause, enlightened by your truth. Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts, heal your people's wounds and transform brokenness into wholeness. Grant us the courage and wisdom, humility and grace, to act with justice. Breathe wisdom into our prayers and labors. Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace in justice. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Let it be clear that before these abominations the Church will spare no effort to do all that is necessary to bring to justice whosoever has committed such crimes . . . To those who abuse minors I would say this: convert and hand yourself over to human justice, and prepare for divine justice." -Pope Francis, Dec. 21, 2018
APRIL
Is Child Abuse Prevention Month
Every April, Catholic parishes and schools across the United States participate in National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The Effects of
ABUSE
When a child is abused, the effects are grave and can last a lifetime. Some of the most common effects of abuse include: Loss of faith and trust in God. Post-traumatic stress disorder, psychological distress, and other indirect signs of trauma, such as anxiety, trouble sleeping, chronic stomach pain, and headaches. A greater risk of developing behavioral problems, substance abuse, and suicide. The sense of violation goes deep into a person's psyche and feelings of anger, shame, hurt, and betrayal can build long after the abuse has taken place.
Steps to Prevent
ABUSE
Communicate with Your Children
It is extremely important to communicate openly with your children. Let them know that they can talk to you about anything that bothers them. This will help you identify warning signs and grooming behaviors perpetrated by offenders before they escalate to abuse.
Educate Yourself and Your Children on Abuse
Learning how to identify, prevent, and report abuse is key. Parents and guardians should empower their children to protect themselves from harm and to report abuse. Ask your diocesan safe environment coordinator or parish delegate about opportunities for safe environment training.
Identify and Report Warning Signs of Child Abusers
Grooming behaviors are the actions abusers take to project the image that they are kind, generous, caring people, while their intent is to lure a minor into an inappropriate relationship. Offenders can be patient and may groom their victim, his or her family, or community for years. Some abusers isolate a potential victim by giving him or her undue attention or lavish gifts, while others allow young people to participate in activities which their parents or guardians would not approve, such as watching pornography, drinking alcohol, using drugs, and excessive touching, such as wrestling and tickling. Abusers also often try to isolate their victims from family or friends and encourage their victims to keep secrets from their parents or other caring adults.
Holding Offenders
ACCOUNTABLE
To help hold offenders accountable, report all suspected abuse to local public authorities. You can also contact your local diocesan victim assistance coordinator to make a report and seek outreach for the abused. In accordance with diocesan policy, when a single act of sexual abuse is admitted or established, the offender is to be removed permanently from ministry.
Copyright 2019, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington DC. All rights reserved.
OFFICE OF SAFE ENVIRONMENT
curriculum and trained 5,220 em- ployees and volunteers who have contact with minors through the Virtus Protecting God's Children program. Approximately 5,915 people underwent background screening. Casey said in working with auditors on site, they learned by example how to foster strong rela- tionships with each affiliated en- tity. "It's imperative that we keep communication channels open between our schools and parishes. We strive to work together to en- sure our entities have the support they need to keep children safe." Also reaching a five-year mark is the renewal of Virtus training for diocesan priests. In early Feb- ruary, the Diocese of Palm Beach held four training sessions, where approximately 200 priests renewed their training under the guidance of Paul Ashton, a noted presenter on the subject of child sexual abuse prevention and healing. Ashton's work includes training facilitators, developing and implementing cur- riculum, and leading counseling and support groups in dioceses across the United States. He also has extensive experience with vic- tim survivors of sexual abuse in the area of recovery and healing. Father Albert Dello Russo, chancellor of the Diocese of Palm Beach, was delighted to see the enthusiasm from the priests pres- ent to hear Ashton speak. "Paul Ashton presented the material in an engaging way and it reinforced my feeling that the Church needs to stay focused on this issue," Fa- ther Dello Russo said. "The Catho- lic Church has made great strides in the education of our parents, children, priests, employees and volunteers in the matter. I would argue that children are safer in Catholic Schools and churches than most other institutions." Father Charles Notabartolo, vic- ar general of the Diocese of Palm Beach, echoed similar sentiments, I was inspired by the continuing commitment and serious deter- mination of my brother priests to keep our parishes and schools safe for our children and vulnerable adults." Education doesn't stop at staff and clergy in the diocese. This year, the U.S. Conference of Cath- olic Bishops recommended U.S. dioceses partner with the YMCA Guardians for Child Protection to educate the public at large about the role they play in preventing abuse. According to informational materi- als, the organization "is a group of YMCA CEOs committed to activat- ing the power of the Y Movement
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and other youth serving organi- zations
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to engage communities, improve internal operations, and advance policy and environmen- tal change to protect children from sexual abuse." The YMCA Guardians for Child Protection are leading a new initia- tive called The Five Days of Action, a week in April designed to raise awareness and inspire adults to take action to protect children from sexual abuse. This year's theme is the three simple habits of "Know. See. Respond." The key to preventing abuse or healing those who have been abused is education," Linnell said. The Five Days of Action motto is know, see, respond.' The know re- fers to being educated about abuse, and the respond part means follow- ing through by reporting it. We are working on mobilizing the commu- nity to do their part by educating as many people as possible." From April 13-17, 2020, Linnell and Casey utilized a visual cam- paign of logos, social media posts, booklets, cards, posters and videos to promote a renewed effort in pro- tecting God's children. "Kids and parents can learn together about abuse through activities and proj- ects," Casey said. "The more we openly engage in a dialogue about abuse, the more people are com- fortable talking about it. This makes a difficult topic more accessible and relatable to young children and teens." The Diocese of Palm Beach is completing the Five Days of Ac- tion by sharing information on topics such as body safety, hiring caregivers, tips for safer sleepovers and more on Facebook @Dioce- sePB. "We strive to get out the good word about the safety of our people, which is such a passionate mission of our Bishop," Linnell said.
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