Keep Up With Cardinal Newman Email Updates
Important Parent Information: SAFE ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM
Cardinal Newman School is required to have a Safe Environment Program. The objective of this program is to protect our children. Involvement in the program is required by all who have regular access to our children and this includes all Cardinal Newman School faculty, staff, substitutes, volunteers, coaches, parents, as well as any other outside personnel having access to our children.
This program has many components. Learning to recognize signs (Adult Virtus® training), teaching our children “Touching Safety” (classes provided to all children in September and October), and knowing the steps to take to report a sexual misconduct allegation are all parts of the program and are all requirements for our school.
Anyone involved with school activities should be able to answer any questions about the information listed below if asked by an auditor. Please familiarize yourself with this information.
What You Should Know
- Yes, we have a Safe Environment Program and we are dedicated to its success.
- Posters promoting the program and identifying the Victim Assistant Coordinator are located on the wall outside of the High School Office, Middle School Office, Gym and Cafeteria.
- Who are Mandatory or Non-Mandatory Reporters?
- To make a formal allegation of sexual misconduct call the Office of Child Protection Services at (843) 853-2130 ext. 209. A report form and brochure including more detailed information have been mailed to all parents. For more copies, please contact the School Main Office.
- For assistance in presenting allegations contact the Victim Assistance Minister:
Louisa Storen, LISW
119 Broad Street Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 856-0748 or 1-800-921-8122
- All personnel having daily access to children must have four documents on file in our office. The documents are as follows:
- Virtus® Certificate of Training Attendance
(Sign up for training at www.virtus.org.) - Background screening (see High School Main Office for forms)
- Signed Code of Conduct
- Signed Acknowledgement of the Receipt of the Diocese Policy concerning allegations of sexual misconduct or abuse of a minor.
- Virtus® Certificate of Training Attendance
If you plan to volunteer or work in activities of the school, these documents must be on file prior to your participation. The only exception is the Virtus® training which currently has a 90 day extension. This limit will soon be reduced.
If you have questions, please contact Nancy Briggs at (803) 782-2814 ext. 31. Mrs. Briggs is coordinating the efforts to make our school safe and compliant with Diocese requirements. If you have been contacted to provide the information listed above, please do so immediately.
We are truly blessed with parents and friends who provide much needed volunteer, substitute and coach support for our School. We appreciate everything you do and we also thank you for your help in making us compliant with Diocese Requirements.
Important Links and Resources:
- Diocese of Charleston Office of Child Protection Services
- Sexual Abuse Policy and Procedures
Lists Diocese Policy, Code of Conduct, How to Report Abuse, and Form To Use To Report Abuse - Child Protection Services
Lists Victim Assistance Personnel and Contact Information - Virtus®
Sign up for Virtus® Training- Select Registration
- Select Register or List of Sessions
- Mandatory versus Non-Mandatory Reporters
Lists Mandatory Reporters and explains legal requirements
If you cannot access these websites or links, information can also be obtained from the School's Main Office.
phone | 803-782-2814
fax | 803-782-9314
fax | 803-782-9314