Protecting Our Children

Holy Trinity, St. Theresa, St. Andrew, and St. Mary Mission

Holy Trinity, St. Theresa, St. Andrew and St. Mary Mission are committed to ensuring a safe environment for the children. To do so the churches require that all programs, ministries and operations affiliated with the churches are conducted in a Safe Environment. In accordance with the policies of the Catholic Church and the Diocese of Charleston all priests, employees and volunteers with regular access to children must fulfill several requirements before they are allowed to serve. These obligations include:

1. Completion of a 3-hour training session (VIRTUS) on creating a safe environment and preventing child sexual abuse.

2. Completion of a Diocesan background check form.

3. Completion of a Code of Conduct verification form.

4. Receipt of the Diocesan Policy on Child Sexual Abuse. (available on the diocesan webpage: www.catholic-doc.org under the Office of Child Protective Services.



Youth Education on Protecting God’s Children

Once a year all children enrolled in religious education or Youth Ministry receive training on “Protecting God’s Children”. Both the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and the Policy of the Diocese of Charleston mandate that the children and youth of our churches receive abuse prevention education. Our Diocese has chosen the VIRTUS "Teaching Touching Safety" program. Detailed instructions regarding the lessons are available on line at -- - www.nationalcatholic.org/touchingsafety.charleston.cfm

The Victim Assistance Coordinator for the Diocese of Charleston is Louisa Storen, LISW. She is available for anyone, regardless of age, who needs assistance. She pledges to provide compassionate support and resources for those affected by sexual abuse by a Priest, Deacon, or lay person working with the Diocese of Charleston.

Victim Assistance Coordinator Louisa Storen, LISW 119 Broad Street Charleston, SC 29401 (843) 856-0748 or 1-800-921-8122