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Safe Environment Programs and Policies
For nearly 20 years, the Diocese of Nashville
has been taking strong steps to provide a safe environment for all
children. Tennessee State Law requires that anyone who reasonably suspects
that abuse is taking place to report it to civil authorities. Experts tell
us that an awareness of child abuse and a willingness to respond to any
reports that might come forward are two very good ways to prevent future
abuse. The policies of the diocese have for many years and continue to
fully support the state law. The bishop has further encouraged anyone who
knows of, or suspects that abuse has taken place, to make the proper
reports to the civil authorities, as well as the diocese if the potential
abuser is an employee or volunteer of the diocese or one of its
institutions. To assist in providing safe environments, we provide
the following contacts to report
suspected abuse,
diocesan policies, an abuse detection and reporting
educational
presentation, abuse
prevention resources, and information about the
Diocesan Safe Environment Committee and Parish Safe Environment
Coordinators. The
diocesan policies are
also available in Spanish for employees and volunteers who do not understand
English.
.
Contacts to Report Abuse
-
TN Department of Children
Services 24-Hour Report Line: 877-237-0004
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Diocese of Nashville Victim
Assistance Coordinator, Hans Toecker at 615-783-0765 or 800-383-6391,
ext. 165.
Diocesan Abuse Prevention
Policies
Diocesan Abuse Detection and Reporting Educational Presentation
Over the years we have used a number of educational
programs to prepare Diocesan personnel and others to recognize signs of
child abuse and to take steps to respond. The following
presentation was used for the first time at the annual teacher
in-service training in August 2004. It was created through
collaboration between counselors from Catholic Social Services and
Diocesan representatives working in conjunction with recognized
experts in this area. It may be used as a guide in presentations
by a counselor in educational sessions or by individuals as a
tutorial on the recognition, reporting and prevention of abuse. It
is being posted on the diocesan website and distributed as a CD to
all parishes, schools, and institutions to be made widely
available to anyone who wishes to learn more about the detection
and response to child abuse.
Abuse
Prevention Resources
Tennessee Department of Children Services
Catholic Charities
of Tennessee, Inc.
Rape and
Sexual Abuse Center
Our
Kids, Inc.
You Have the Power
Prevent Child
Abuse Tennessee
Diocesan Safe Environment Committee and Parish Safe Environment
Coordinators
The Diocesan Safe Environment
Committee serves as a resource for parish Safe Environment
Coordinators regarding various aspects of education programs and
diocesan policies.
Click here for more information.
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