Protecting God's Children

In an ongoing effort to protect children and to provide safe environments for them, the Catholic Church mandates training, background checks, and provides further education and resources for all adults working with children.

For the most up to date policies, resources, and information in the Catholic Diocese of Columbus, please visit the Protecting God's Children page at the main website of the Columbus Diocese.

For the safety of our children, the Diocese of Columbus Safe Environment Program requires the following to attend a Protecting God’s Children Program and undergo Criminal Background Checks and Fingerprinting:

• All paid diocesan, parish, and school staff and any clergy temporarily assigned to the Columbus Diocese regardless of their level of contact with children and youth.
• All volunteers 18 years or older in a program or ministry for children and youth regardless of their level of contact with children and youth; e.g.: Catholic school, PSR program, etc.
• All volunteers 18 years or older in other parish programs or ministries who have been delegated care, custody, or control of children and youth; e.g. choir director, sacristan, etc.