Safe Environment

The Diocese of Fargo and its affiliates are strongly committed to preventing sexual misconduct involving Church workers and to responding with justice and compassion when such misconduct occurs. In addition to policy, a Safe Environment program has been established to prevent sexual misconduct by Church workers and the resulting harm to others.

This page is a summary of the Safe Environment policy and programs in the Diocese of Fargo. Go to the Victim Assistance page for information on who to speak with confidentially about sexual abuse. The “Victim Assistance” brochure and poster are available in the Additional Resources section, below.

Diocese of Fargo Policy and Communications Plan

Code of Conduct

The Diocese of Fargo’s Code of Conduct (PDF) is the Safe Environment policy for all church workers (which includes clergy, church employees, volunteers, and members of religious communities) in the Diocese of Fargo.

Communications Plan

At the Diocese of Fargo, we are committed to consistent, accurate, and responsible communications that will both protect the children and young people in our care and respect the rights of persons who may be accused of sexual misconduct with a minor. Read the full Communications Plan Regarding the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People(PDF).

Annual Compliance Report Forms

The forms which every parish and school must submit annually for the compliance report are available from Human Resources.

Safe Environment Training for Church Workers

Before any adult works with minors in the Diocese of Fargo, they must complete the Safe Environment Training for Church Workers. The following information must be on file for each employee or volunteer who will have contact with minors:

• Acknowledgement that the Diocese of Fargo Code of Conduct (PDF) has been read.
• Acknowledgement that the Circle of Care video has been viewed and discussed Acknowledgement Form (PDF).
• A copy of the “Authorization for Background Check” form (PDF).
• “Notice of Eligibility” from the Diocese of Fargo.

A church worker cannot begin work with minors until all these forms are on file. Talk to your pastor or contact Human Resources for more information. Forms are available on the Human Resources page.

Circle of Care

The Circle of Care is a Safe Environment training program for adults and was developed by the Archdiocese of Omaha. Copies of the Circle of Care DVD are available from Mary Hanbury in the Office of Catechesis (701-356-7909). The video may also be viewed online by clicking the “YouTube” link. Available resources:

• Supervisor Instructions (PDF)
• Outline of Circle of Care DVD presentation (PDF)
• Circle of Care Video on YouTube

Safe Environment Curriculum for Children and Youth

Beginning on July 1, 2012, the Circle of Grace, developed by the Archdiocese of Omaha, has been the Safe Environment curriculum used in Religious Education Programs and Catholic Schools throughout the Diocese of Fargo. The Circle of Grace binder contains a general introduction to the program, a letter to parents, as well as individual lesson plans for each grade, Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade. If you have questions, contact Mary Hanbury in the Office of Catechesis (701-356-7909).

Religious Education at Home Curriculum Circle of Grace.  There is now a Circle of Grace curriculum that parents can chose to do at home with their own children. Please contact Mary Hanbury in the Office of Catechesis (701-356-7909)  see sample lesson grade 3

• Circle of Grace brochure (tri-fold; PDF) 

Additional Resources

• Archbishop's Aquila’s instructional handbook “A Parent's Guide to Chastity Education” (PDF)
• Tips for Reporting Abuse (PDF)
• Victim Assistance Brochure (PDF)
• Victim Assistance Poster (PDF; copies may be ordered from the Vicar General / Vicar for Clergy office)