Safe Environment Training
"Since the implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People by the Bishops of the United States in 2003, the Church has made great strides in developing policies and procedures that assist in providing safe environments for our young people. One of the most important safety precautions instituted by the Charter has been the requirement that dioceses evaluate the background of all employees and volunteers who have contact with minors.
In 2018, the Charter was revised to ensure that all dioceses are using the most current and effective means at their disposal to protect the most vulnerable among us. In compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Minors and Young People, therefore, all employees and volunteers in the Diocese of Phoenix will be required to be trained in Safe Environment annually and complete a state and federal criminal background check prior to serving." - Office of Child and Youth Protection and Safe Environment Training
After much prayer, debate, and deliberation, it was concluded by SHHE members that this class is designed to help protect children; and because children are at the heart of why the Sacred Heart Home Educators exists, the Board believes that our group in obedience to the Bishop should take this step to do our part to protect the children we serve and those we may encounter through our ministry.
Every member family of Sacred Heart Home Educators must "Have at least one parent/guardian that is current with Safe Environment Training." As required by our Bylaws, include confirmation of your current SET when registering.
The first time you become certified, you must take either a 2.5-hour class in person at any training site or the 1.5-hour free initial ONLINE FOUNDATION AND BACKGROUND CHECK at http://phoenix.cmgconnect.org/. After that, only the renewal is required annually (in person for 1 hour or online for 30 minutes).
NOTE: If you are a volunteer at your parish, please list your parish as your "volunteer location" and mark yourself as "Volunteer (serves minors)". SHHE strongly encourages parish involvement as part of a family’s commitment to the faith-centered practices of Catholic homeschooling. Parish involvement includes but is not limited to altar serving, choir, catechesis helper, Porters of St. Joseph, volunteering for any ongoing or one-time event or program, or offering your gifts in another way.
Unusual situations:
- If you are new to the Diocese of Phoenix and have similar training from your old parish, contact the Diocese to see what is required for this year.
- If the training is a hardship (i.e., material is too difficult for someone who has been affected by abuse), you may be eligible for an exception. Simply contact the Safe Environment Office to make an alternative arrangement.
- If you have any questions about your SET requirement for SHHE registration, please contact the membership coordinator at [email protected].
Updated 6/28/2023