St. Elizabeth School is in compliance with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dallas Safe Environment Program. As Christian adults, we have a moral and legal responsibility and are entrusted by God with the spiritual, emotional and physical well-being of minors and vulnerable adults as they participate in activities within or sponsored by the Diocese of Dallas. It is the policy of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dallas not only to comply with reporting laws but also to cooperate fully with the investigating civil authorities. (See, Section 10.10, Reports to and Cooperation with Law Enforcement.)

In order to achieve the above, the Diocese of Dallas has a Safe Environment Program that implements training, screening through interviews, criminal background checks and other procedures that are designed to reduce the risk of abuse of children and vulnerable adults. Every church, school and Diocesan agency has this program, and each is responsible for program implementation and continuation.

As a result, all adults must complete the Safe Environment Program before being permitted to volunteer in any capacity at St. Elizabeth School, including field trips or class trips, and parents and other adult family members must be safe environment trained to visit with their student and his/her class during the school day, including at lunchtime. Therefore, due to the importance of the program, the school highly recommends that all parents go through the training regardless of their volunteer or visitation intentions. The Safe Environment Program consists of the following:
 

• Screening Form and $15 Fee (used to run a criminal background check)
• Acknowledgement Form
• Reference Check
• Interview
• Annual Re-Certification Training (maintains compliance)

More information regarding the Safe Environment Program and the school’s schedule for administering the program is available through the school office.