Safeguard the Children

Telephone: (213) 637-7227

The Office of Safeguard the Children is dedicated to “protecting all of God’s children” by fully implementing Article 12 of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People adopted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2002.

The Office of Safeguard the Children provides ongoing support, education, training and resources to help prevent child sexual abuse and to address children’s safety in our parishes, schools, homes and communities.

Quick & Easy Safe Environment Program Resources

The Quick & Easy Safe Environment Program Resources is a tool designed to support the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in its commitment to protecting children, young people, and vulnerable adults from sexual abuse. It provides essential guidance on topics such as mandatory audits, safeguarding resources, and training programs for both clergy and volunteers. Key features include:

Information on accessing fingerprinting services and Safe Environment training.
Resources for reporting suspected abuse.
Tools to raise awareness, such as brochures and bulletin inserts for Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Contact details for key coordinators within the Archdiocese.

This resource serves as a practical guide to ensure compliance and maintain a safe environment for children within church-related activities.

Empowering God’s Children and Young People Safety Program is required annually for all children and young people who participate in religious education, catholic schools, and children or youth activities in the diocese.

Empowering God’s Children and Young People

VIRTUS® Safe Environment Training is mandated for all Clergy, Staff and Volunteers

Educational and training programs can be found here

Safeguard the Children Parish Committee Handbook

Safeguard the Children Parish Committee Handbook (PDF)

Policies and Procedures (Guidelines)

Policies and procedures for interacting with minors by visiting this webpage

How to find a VIRTUS session; please email Brenda Cabrera bmelendez@la-archdiocese.org for upcoming VIRTUS® Schedule.

All clergy, paid parish/school personnel and volunteers who work regularly in a supervisory role with children or youth must be fingerprinted. For more information, call us at: (213) 637-7680 or visit this webpage.