The Diocese of Birmingham has long recognized that children, youth and other vulnerable persons can be at risk from certain individuals present in every community. Individuals who for whatever reason, prey on those weaker than themselves.We recognize that whenever children and youth are out of their parent’s direct care they are especially at risk. In 1991 a set of policies and procedures were promulgated to help ensure that Catholic institutions and programs would be as safe as possible from those seeking to harm minors. Training sessions were implemented to prepare staff and volunteers to continue their ministries in safe and healthy ways, and to properly respond and report allegations of suspected child abuse.

Policies, procedures and training continue to change and grow as the needs of Catholic institutions have changed.  Currently the Diocese of Birmingham requires adults who work with children or youth in a a Catholic institution to attend a Youth Protection 1(YP1) training course and to submit a Volunteer Inquiry Form to complete a background check.  

 

The Birmingham Diocese offers two methods for completing the Youth Protection 1 training course -- on-site and on-line.  Both are free and complete the YP1 training requirement for 3 years.

 

Steps for completing the Diocese of Birmingham YP1 requirement for Mercy Parish:

 

1.  Complete either an on-site or on-line YP1 training course.  Turn in a copy of the completion certificate to the Parish Office (parish_office@mercyparish.church)

2.  Complete a Volunteer Inquiry form and return to the Parish Office (Click on the button just to the right under the picture).

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On-line website (please click on the link and follow registration instructions):  https://www.catholicyouthbhm.net/youth-protection.html

On-site class schedule (you must register at this website for on-site training):  https://www.catholicyouthbhm.net/workshop-schedule--registration.html

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