Our cooperative approach toward diocesan safe environment programs is expressed in our guidance to council leaders concerning member compliance with diocesan safe environment requirements. The first requirement of our safe environment program is for our members to be compliant with diocesan safe environment requirements applicable to members’ volunteer activities on parish property. We invite diocesan safe environment coordinators and victim assistance coordinators to contact us directly with all questions and concerns that relate to the Knights of Columbus.

The Knights of Columbus Safe Environment Program is operated in conjunction with PRAESIDIUM, which specializes in preventing sexual abuse in organizations that serve youth and vulnerable adults. Our online training modules cover sexual abuse awareness and prevention, reporting, and policies, and are available to all our members, but required for members volunteering in key leadership roles. Members volunteering to serve in key leadership roles are also required to complete a screening process, including a robust and comprehensive background check.

For more information on how Knights of Columbus and dioceses work together to protect our children and other vulnerable persons, visit the Office of Youth Protection Informational Overview and this helpful Diagram.