About The Committee

The Safeguard the Children Parish Committee was selected and began work early in 2002.  With representatives from each parish ministry working directly with children and teenagers, this committee drew upon resources outside the parish to ensure that our policies, guidelines and training were current and in compliance with appropriate state and federal laws concerning the reporting of child abuse.  Child Protective Services of Santa Barbara County Welfare Services and Santa Barbara Police Department were particularly helpful in providing critical information and training.

For the foreseeable future this committee will continue to meet several times a year to review the performance of all parish ministries for adherence to specific policies and requirements and, if necessary, make the necessary modifications and changes to those polices as conditions and circumstances warrant.

At a minimum the Safeguard the Children Committee will include lay representatives from Notre Dame School, the CCD, Confirmation and Altar Servers programs.  We will also maintain our close working relationships with representatives from Child Protective Services of Santa Barbara County Welfare Services and the SB Police.  We will also continue to have certified legal and medical advice made available from lay parishioners.

Critical Policies And Guidelines