Protecting our Children
Safe Environment
Sexual Misconduct Administrative Policies and Procedures
The Diocese’s formal policy is available in both English and Spanish:
Code of Pastoral Conduct
The Diocese of Sacramento's Code of Pastoral Conduct applies to all priests, deacons, pastoral ministers, spiritual directors, administrators, staff and volunteers who work in ministry in the Diocese.
Shield the Vulnerable Training
All diocesan employees, and all volunteers who work with children, are required to complete a child abuse prevention and diocesan policy training program once every three years. Our on-line training program, Shield the Vulnerable, is available in both English and Spanish and can be accessed at www.shieldthevulnerable.org.
Guidelines for Adults Working with Children
Fingerprinting/Background Checks
A thorough and formal process of fingerprinting and background checks occurs for all employees and volunteers who have regular contact with children. The request for live scan service form may be found at the Office of the Attorney General for the State of California website at http://ag.ca.gov.
Using adobe Acrobat software, the form can be downloaded, filled out and printed, or blank copies of the form can be printed and completed by hand.
To find where Live Scan fingerprinting services are available in your county go to: http://ag.ca.gov/fingerprints/publications/contact.php. Questions may be directed to (916) 733-0237.
Personal Safety Education Training for Children and Youth
The Diocese of Sacramento’s programs respond to the U.S. Bishops mandate in the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People that all dioceses implement safe environment programs. Program content instructs and helps children and their parents with matters of personal safety so that they are confident in self-protection skills and capable of identifying potential harm, avoiding vulnerable situations and communicating effectively.
- For Children Grades K-8: Virtus “Teaching Touching Safety Program
- For Youth Grades 9-12: Personal Safety Awareness Program and Creating Safe and Sacred Places for High School Youth
Enhanced Screening of All Seminarian Candidates
The Office of Vocations for the Diocese of Sacramento follows a 12-point process in assessing and screening applications of persons who wish to become candidates for diocesan priesthood and attend the seminary. A formal application and documentation is required, including written statements and recommendations. The process takes several months, and at any time during this process, the Office of Vocations reserves the right to deny an applicant.
The screening is thorough and includes several interviews during the “discernment phase” to assist the applicant as he considers the significance of this decision to answer God’s call to serve in this way. In addition to several personal interviews with standardized protocol, the candidate is asked to complete psychological testing. If the candidate completes these components favorably, recommendations are made to the Diocesan Bishop and the applicant is approved to proceed with an additional admissions process for the selected seminary.
The candidate must agree to these enhanced screening measures at the onset of his inquiry to further ensure full understanding of the expectations and requirements of the priesthood:
- Acknowledge, sign and accept the Diocese of Sacramento’s Administrative Policies and Procedures for Sexual Misconduct.
- Acknowledge, sign and accept the Seminarian Policy Booklet.
- Submit to fingerprinting that will be provided to state and Federal authorities for background clearance.
Throughout inquiry, discernment, interviewing, testing and seminary, although accepted by the Diocese as a candidate for priesthood, the Diocese has the responsibility to continue challenging the authenticity of the candidate’s vocation during the formation period.
How to Report a Formal Complaint
Call the toll-free line at (866)777-9133 to report a formal complaint. You may also reach the Pastoral Care Coordinator at (916) 733-0142. Reports can be made in English and Spanish.
Protecting Our Children | How to Reach Us | Communications & Reporting | Links & Resources