FAQs
Why do I need to be certified?
The archbishop desires that the archdiocese be in full compliance with the USCCB charter for the protection of children and young people. As part of that process, a diocese must have a program in place to train and "evaluate the background of all clergy, employees, and volunteers", whose duties include ongoing, unsupervised contact with minors”.
Are all dioceses doing background checks and safe environment training?
As of 2005, 169 of 195 American dioceses were in full compliance with the charter, with most of the others not far behind.
Where can I find training?
The initial 2-hour Circle of Care training is done with qualified trainers in a live setting. Because of the preparation involved, these are done less frequently and in larger groups. A listing of upcoming classes can be found elsewhere on this web site.
The recertification training is done using a video. Qualified trainers are not required, though a parish or school administrator should supervise. These classes are generally not publicized outside the local parish or school. Contact your local parish or school safe environment coordinator for more information.
Who pays for the background check and training?
The background check is paid for by the school or parish at which you work or volunteer. Training charges, if any, must be paid by the applicant. Initial training (full length with qualified trainers) is generally $10, unless the trainers are willing to waive those charges. The re-certification training (video) is generally free.
Must I be re-certified if I move to another parish school?
Your certificate is valid at any archdiocesan parish or school.
I've been trained by another organization. Will that training satisfy the requirements of the archdiocese of Omaha?
The Archdiocese of Omaha will accept safe the environment training from certain other organizations, including other dioceses, Boys Scouts of America, Virtus, and Teammates as long as the following conditions are met:
• The employee/volunteer has documentation of successfully completing the training.
• This training is currently not expired.
• The employee/volunteer agrees to fill out and submit the necessary
archdiocesan paperwork.
• The employee/volunteer agrees to the archdiocesan background check.
Will other organizations accept my certification?
Probably not. Most organizations (Boys Scouts, non-archdiocesan schools, etc.) have their own rules and programs. We/they may accept parts of the certification process if supplied with complete documentation. Contact the SE Support Office for more information.
Who will see my background check information?
Background check information is treated as extremely confidential. All information (summary and details) is handled on a strict need-to-know basis. You, however, may see a copy of your own background check at any time. Just contact the Safe Environment Support Office at the chancery.
Why does the archdiocese run a credit check on me?
We don't and never have. We are only interested in the applicants' potential criminal history. However, the background check process falls under the federal government's Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). As such, we must follow their rules and regulations. For more information, see www.ftc.gov. The fact that we ran a background check will not show up in an applicant's public credit report.
Why do you need my Social Security Number?
Your SSN is used by the company that handles our background checks to help determine any past addresses. This is the best way we have of checking other states for a potential criminal history.
Your SSN is never reported outside the SE Support Office.
My certification has expired. Do I need to start the process all over again?
There is a one-year grace period from the expiration date during which you may be recertified using the shorter recertification (video) process. After the grace period, you must start over from the beginning. Note: the grace period has no effect on actual certification. A person must be properly certified to enjoy the privileges attached to certification.
Must I carry my certificate with me at all times?
That would be helpful, in case anyone asks. But school and parish administrators have access to an up-to-date list of certified people. They can find out who is certified and who isn't.
I lost my certificate. Can I get a replacement?
Yes. Contact the Safe Environment Support Office at the chancery.
More questions?
Contact the Safe Environment Support Office at the chancery. 402.558.3100 or
safeenvironment@archomaha.org
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