The Safe Environment Program (SEP) is mandated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Diocese of St. Petersburg, and certain Florida statues to protect children, youth, and vulnerable adults from abuse, especially sexual abuse.
The Diocese of St. Petersburg SEP programs are meant to enable children and vulnerable adults to feel secure and protected in their surroundings.  We want our children and youth to feel free to receive a Catholic education and to experience healthy relationships.  We want to foster a safe environment and to provide a healthy and loving relationship in the image of God for our vulnerable adults who may be sick and or shut-in, and for our elderly who may be suffering from the infirmities of aging.

After the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People was approved and published in 2002, updates on the status of child and youth protection efforts have been provided to the faithful of our Diocese over the years. Since April is recognized as “Child Abuse Prevention Month” for the Catholic Church in the U.S., Bishop Parkes has released an updated “Letter to the People,” to provide current statistics and other related details regarding Safe Environment and Victim Assistance measures. 

Please see the attached letters for more information: