Whenever people come together, special attention must be made to create a relationship of intimacy and distance at the same time, so it is acceptable to everyone involved in order to create a framework in which everyone can experience good and beautiful things.
Undesirable developments in this area, which may be irritating to those involved, must be addressed and discussed. Behavior and the associated contexts can then be reflected upon and, if necessary, corrected. In this way, a religious and social community also becomes a learning community. Our Safeguarding Concept serves as the basis for trusting cooperation between all those involved within our community on the various, sometimes complex levels. At the same time, it is intended to be a binding standard for everyone that defines what is appropriate in certain pastoral situations and identifies where the boundaries are. This creates a reliable framework for pastoral action that is transparent to all those involved, which has been developed in a dynamic process and is regularly updated. In addition, the Safeguarding Concept is intended to be a benchmark for everyone’s own actions, clearly defining boundaries and promoting respectful interaction with one another. Of course, mutual trust must remain the basis of all pastoral action.
The protection of all people working in our community is our top priority. Compliance with the Safeguarding Concept ensures protection for all those in need of protection.
Our Safeguarding Concept (pdf)
Point of Contact for Counseling and Pastoral Care for Victims of Abuse and Violence in the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising (pdf, Kontaktstelle zur Beratung und Seelsorge für Betroffene von Missbrauch und Gewalt in der Erzdiözese München und Freising)
Independent Contact Persons for the examination of suspected cases (pdf, Unabhängige Ansprechpersonen für die Prüfung von Verdachtsfällen)
All adult volunteers who work with children and the youth at St. John Berchmans must be in full compliance with the Safeguarding Concept.
This includes:
1. Complete a Safeguarding Training Program with certificate.
One can complete the training program online, two programs are available as follows: “Safeguarding Essentials” and “Safeguarding Children or Adults.”
2. Provide an Extended Certificate of Good Conduct
To apply, you must submit a written confirmation from the organization requesting the Extended Certificate of Good Conduct.
Fr. Christof will provide this confirmation.
3. Sign the Self-disclosure and declaration of Commitment for Volunteers in the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising.
Here you will find the wording of the paragraphs listed in 9. of the German Criminal Code (StGB, PDF).
More Resources:
Empowering God’s Children® is a new program that is included in the curriculum of schools and religious education programs.
Empowering God Children Brochure
Empowering God’s Children: Teaching Boundaries and Safety Guide
Cautela! Prävention stärken – Heilung fördern – ein multimedials Präventionskonzept (German language)