Safe Environment

As a community of faith, we believe that our children are the most important gifts God has entrusted to us and that the prevention of child abuse begins with each person.

St. Brigid of Kildare Parish, in coordination with the Catholic Diocese of Columbus, is committed to the protection and safety of all children. This commitment follows the fundamental mission of the Church to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, to give authentic witness to the moral teaching of the Scriptures and the tradition of the Church, and to uphold the human dignity of every person. Increased awareness and a willingness to take action are steps for every person to eradicate abuse in our society, in the community, in the neighborhood, and in the family.

At St. Brigid of Kildare Church, “Best Practice” policies have been established to ensure the safety of our children in every parish and school activity. Our Safe Environment Program was designed for the protection of our children. With that in mind, ALL VOLUNTEERS 18 years of age and older (Athletics, Club Sports, Nursery, School, Scouts, Religious Education, High School Youth Ministry and all other programs involving children) must complete the following procedures prior to the first day of volunteering:

  1. Complete a Protecting God’s Children (PGC) awareness session offered throughout the Diocese of Columbus and register in Selection.com.
  2. Undergo a Civilian Criminal Background/Fingerprint check
  3. Complete a Raptor Volunteer Application which includes the signed Code of Conduct and copy of driver’s license or photo ID.

Below are additional details on completing each of these steps.

1) Attend a Protecting God’s Children (PGC) Training Session & Complete Selection.com Registration must be completed online at www.virtus.org.

    • Please select “First-Time Registrant,” then View a List of Sessions and select Columbus, OH (Diocese) to view a listing of current class offerings. Select “Start Registration” to create a username and password and register for an upcoming training session.
      • If you attended PGC in another Diocese, please ask the parish office to inquire about having your attendance record transferred to the Diocese of Columbus.
    • Following registration for a PGC course as a first-time registrant, you will be instructed to complete and pay $25 for selection.com.

    2) Complete a Civilian Criminal Background Check

    If a volunteer has lived in Ohio for 5 consecutive years, BCI ($30) is required. If the volunteer has lived outside of Ohio at any time in the past 5 consecutive years, both BCI and FBI ($65) are required.

    To complete a fingerprinting/background check:

    • Results will be sent electronically to the Diocese of Columbus and then forwarded to St. Brigid of Kildare. Results are typically received within 2 weeks but may take up to 30 business days.
    • Fingerprinting sessions will also be available during all Saint Brigid of Kildare offered PGC training sessions.
      • The sessions will be held one hour prior to the start of the course

    3) Complete the Raptor Volunteer & Employee Application/Code of Conduct

    The Volunteer Application and Code of Conduct are combined into a single form found here: https://apps.raptortech.com/Apply/ODA0MDplbi1VUw==#

    Please contact Brad Marzullo, Safe Environment Coordinator at bmarzullo@stbrigidofkildare.org or (614) 761-3734 ext. 249 if you have any questions.

    Facility Use Agreement Form

    Agree to the policies outlined in the Facility Use Agreement Form. This form must be completed annually to use the facilities. Once complete, an email will be sent to acknowledge receipt, and further instructions will be provided to schedule event(s). If appropriate, you will be notified by the parish office when your event has been scheduled or if additional information is needed. 

    Junior Volunteer Application & Code of Conduct

    Click this link to access the junior volunteer application form and code of conduct. This form is for all volunteers under the age of 18 and currently enrolled in 7th through 12th grades. High school graduates and those who will be graduates upon volunteering need to complete the adult Raptor Volunteer Application, attend PGC training, and complete a background check.

    Code of Conduct

    The Safe Environment Code of Conduct is included in the Raptor volunteer application, and must be signed by all volunteers. To review, click here.

    Social Media Guidelines

    For the protection of our youth, St. Brigid of Kildare has established Social Media Guidelines. These must be read before signing the Code of Conduct.

    Click here to view or print the Social Media Guidelines (updated 3.3.2024).

    Coaches

    All Saint Brigid of Kildare coaches using our facilities and working with St. Brigid youth are required to complete the following training and sign off on the following forms:

    1. Sudden Cardiac Arrest & Lindsay’s Law Training – Information for the Coach (please read)
    2. Sudden Cardiac Arrest & Lindsay’s Law Video (please watch)
    3. Concussion Training 
    4. Play Like a Champion Training – Head Coaches only (please register)
    5. Coaches Skill Academy completion

    Reporting Abuse

    If you suspect abuse, it is critical to take immediate action. In Ohio, reports should be made to:

    Your local county child protection agency or sheriff’s department

    The Diocese of Columbus — Contact Laura J. Lewis, M.A., L.P.C.C.-S, Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator

    Phone: 614-224-2251, 614-779-1966, or toll-free at 866-448-0217

    Email: helpisavailable@columbuscatholic.org

    If you or a child is in immediate danger, call 911.

    Statewide Reporting Numbers

    For Children
    To report suspected child abuse or neglect anywhere in Ohio, contact:
    Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
    855-O-H-CHILD (855-642-4453)

    For Adults
    To report suspected abuse or neglect of adults:
    Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
    855-OHIO-APS (855-644-6277)

    If you are aware of a youth being sexually exploited online, report it immediately to:

    National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
     www.CyberTipline.org — Available 24/7

    Local law enforcement

    Safe School Helpline

    This Helpline has been developed for students, parents and staff members to help maintain safety and the most positive school environment possible. The purpose of the Safe School Helpline is to promote school safety and report wrongdoings or illegal activity.

    ·        To text a report, text 614-426-0240, then type TIPS

    ·        To call, dial 800-418-6423 ext. 359

    ·        To complete an online report, fill out the form here.

    All reports remain anonymous.