Safe Environment Program

Protecting Vulnerable Persons from Abuse

Knights of Columbus Office of Youth Protection — Leading the Order's initiative to protect children and other vulnerable persons we serve.

Report Abuse Required Training/Screening Protecting Our Children

“Protecting our children is the sacred duty of every Knight.”

– Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly

Report Suspected Abuse

1 - Report to Law Enforcement

How to Report Abuse (US)

2 - Notify Diocese

How to Report Abuse (USCCB)

3 - Notify Knights of Columbus

844-563-2723

Reporting Infographic

Working Together with Dioceses to Protect Our Children

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. For a summary of Knights of Columbus Safe Environment Program Best Practices, please refer to our Best Practices and Quick Reference Guide.

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 Working Together with Dioceses to Protect Our Children Information Sheet and this helpful Diagram.

Protecting Our Children - video

Guided by the professional expertise of Dr. Monica Applewhite, a Brother Knight and his family share their story of how their family courageously addressed sexual abuse in the hopes of educating parents about how they can become more informed protectors of our children.

Dr. Monica Applewhite distinguishes healthy adult/child relationships from unhealthy adult/child relationships and reviews common patterns of grooming behaviors. To learn more about detecting and interrupting grooming behaviors and other risks to minors, review the Knights of Columbus' Protecting Our Children program.

Go to Video Series Online Learning Parent Resources

Member Helpline

Phone: (203) 800-4940

Fax: (855) 845-3502

youthleader@kofc.org

Office of Youth Protection

Phone: (203) 752-4558

Fax: (855) 845-3502

oyp@kofc.org