The Diocese of Victoria requires that all staff members, volunteers, coaches, room mothers, and field trip attendees over the age of 18 years who serve children in any capacity at school or a school sponsored event meet the safe environment requirements.  The Diocese of Victoria Safe Environment Process includes a Code of Pastoral Conduct Session, a Keeping Kids/Vulnerable Adults SAFE Session, and registration on line on the Diocese of Victoria website which initiates a criminal history check.  All of these requirements must be completed and cleared by the site administrator for Holy Cross School before anyone can participate in school functions.  Additional information and dates of training sessions may be obtained from the school office or on the Holy Cross School website link to the Diocese of Victoria.  Holy Cross School abides by the Child Abuse Prevention, Adoption, and Family Services Act.  This law mandates that all cases of suspected child abuse and/or neglect be reported to Child Protective Services.



Child and Vulnerable Adult Reporting Procedures
If you witness, suspect, or know of child and/or vulnerable adult abuse,YOU MUST REPORT IT WITHIN 48 HOURS!

Contact Civil Authorities:
Department of Family and Protective Services at 1-800-252-5400 or www.txabusehotline.org
If the person is in immediate danger, call 911.

If Church Personnel is involved in Alleged Abuse:
Step One--Contact Civil Authorities
Step Two--Contact one of the following:
     --Coordinator of Pastoral Care and Outreach, Shannon Thomas, LMSW, at 361-827-7186 or email [email protected]
     --Bishop or Chancellor of the Diocese of Victoria at 361-573-0828 and written allegations should be sent to:
               Office of the Bishop
               P. O. Box 4070
               Victoria, TX 77903

Mark as "Personal and Confidential"  
We will also help you being your concerns to church officials outside the Diocese if the abuse occurred elsewhere and  you now reside in the Diocese of Victoria.  If you are unsure about bringing a complaint or would like further information, please contact Shannon Thomas.

Holy Cross Catholic School's Safe Environment Coordinator is Natalie Friesenhahn.  You may contact her at (979) 245-5632 or [email protected].