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.
In August 2025, Bishop Fernandes updated the Safe Environment policy for the Catholic Diocese of Columbus. As stated by the Diocese, these requirements are meant:
“To make clear to clergy and others in positions of trust the need to exercise prudence, avoid any semblance of impropriety, protect their own ministry and reputation, and, most importantly, to safeguard children, young people and other vulnerable persons from harm.”
When we refer to a “person in a position of trust,” we mean clergy, staff, and volunteers who give their time to lead, teach, supervise, or support our parish and school programs. It does not apply to parishioners who are simply attending events.
St. Brigid of Kildare is committed to protecting our children and parishioners through our updated Safe Environment Program. To meet these standards, all volunteers who are 18+ or high school graduates across all parish and school programs must complete the following steps before beginning their service:
Safe environment checklist
Facility Use Agreement Form
Agree to the policies outlined in the Facility Use Agreement Form during the Raptor Volunteer Application above. This form must be agreed upon to use the facilities. Once complete, you must email the parish office (stbrigidscheduler@stbrigidofkildare.org) with specifics of your event(s) including date(s), start and end times, expected number of participants, and preferred location (Church, Hendricks Hall, Gym, Enke Hall, Cafeteria, Brigid’s Green). Your request will be processed within 5 business days after your email received. If appropriate, you will be notified by the parish office when your event has been scheduled or if additional information is needed. A copy of this form can be found here: Facility Use Agreement Form
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:
- Sudden Cardiac Arrest & Lindsay’s Law Training – Information for the Coach (please read)
- Sudden Cardiac Arrest & Lindsay’s Law Video (please watch)
- Concussion Training
- Play Like a Champion Training – Head Coaches only (please register)
- 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.