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Child Abuse Awareness
During April, we observed Child Abuse Awareness Month. Saying this out loud strikes two distinct chords: first, a deep sadness that the abuse of children exists, that those who are most vulnerable can become victims of some who choose to exploit the most vulnerable in our society. The second response to Child Abuse Awareness Month is that of hope, the hope that responsible adults will become increasingly aware of this problem and choose to respond to it in a proactive and articulate way.
The mistreatment of children and, indeed, of all vulnerable persons, must first be acknowledged openly. Child Abuse Awareness Month centered on doing just that — bringing out into the open the reality of an epidemic of global proportions, an epidemic responsible for wounding those affected by it. To address this problem requires that we begin with awareness but not settle for it.
In the Diocese of Brooklyn, through the work of the Safe Environment Office, sex abuse awareness training, as well as background searches and codes of conduct, are mandated for all employees and volunteers who serve in our schools and parish programs. Through VIRTUS, the awareness program which trains adults to recognize those situations which can be a cause for concern, adults are taught to look more critically at the environment in which children work and play. Adults are trained to be more observant and to take specific steps to ensure that the opportunities for child abuse are minimized. Likewise, our parish schools and religious education programs conduct child safety programs via Child Lures wherein minors are taught to protect themselves by providing children and young teens with the tools for detecting danger and moving away from it. Since the inception of the program, over 75,000 children in our schools and religious education programs have been trained annually as have over 20,000 adults in helping to ensure the safety of our children.
Child Abuse Awareness Month, then, was an opportunity to begin the process of re-creating and healing our world so that children can live in a safe and welcoming environment where respect for life is upheld in its broadest sense.
To continue these efforts in the education of adults, children and teens, the Safe Environment Office seeks volunteers who will view this work as a vital ministry in doing God’s work to protect the youth in our diocese. Those who are interested should call the Director of the Safe Environment Office, Sister Pat Hudson, CSJ, at 718- 229-8001 ext. 672.
Cut for School Reimbursements
Earlier this month, Governor David Paterson and State Legislative leaders proudly announced another record increase in funding to public schools. The increase amounted to $1.8 billion more than they received last year. That’s a 9% increase – twice the rate of inflation.
Gov. Paterson rightfully pointed out, “Even in difficult times, we still must strive to provide critical funding for our education system.”
The Senate budget statement proudly proclaims “...this budget delivers results for every student, parent, teacher, school, administrator and taxpayer in New York State.”
Equally proud, the Assembly put out this statement, “This historic increase in education funding....maintains the Assembly Majority’s long-standing commitment to provide a quality education for all of New York’s children.”
While we’re happy that children in public schools should receive more help in the coming school year, we have to ask the obvious question, “What did they do for religious and independent schools?”
The almost unbelievable answer is that they cut funding used to reimburse mandated costs of religious and independent school costs by 2%. By doing so, they have broken the state’s long-standing legal commitment to reimburse independent and religious schools for 100% of their mandated expenses. This is completely unacceptable.
We urge you to contact the Governor and your state legislators immediately to let them know you cannot accept this injustice.
Right now, the state’s public school teachers’ unions are running the show in Albany. Politicians don’t dare defy these unions lest they turn the public against them and vote them right out of office.
Catholics and other people of faith are full citizens too and have the same rights as every other citizen.We have the right to decide where we want to send our children to school without the state working against us in this matter.
You can take action by logging on to the New York State Catholic Conference’s legislative alert system at www.nyscatholic.org. Join the state’s Catholic legislative network to stay aware of initiatives in Albany and the effect that they could have upon the Church.
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