Recently I had a chance to meet with the committee who is looking into possible updates for the diocesan policy dealing with the safety of children and youth. The group is doing some terrific work, analyzing the current policy in comparison with those of other dioceses and crafting needed changes. One change has already been made at their suggestion--the addition of a new page on the diocesan website. You'll find "Safeguarding Programs" under the Resources tab at www.dioswva.org. It's a work-in-progress; we'll continue to add useful forms and information as time goes on.
|
Resources to Share
It has been a summer of heartbreaking news stories. How do parishes work with children and families in light of the events taking place? - Some great websites to share with families are:
- St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Charlotte, NC, has put together a file intended for Christian Educators. It's a downloadable PDF entitled Ministering in a Torn World.
- St. Martins Episcopal Church in Williamsburg, VA, has a great webpage that addresses not only what parents or educators can do, but what people of faith can do, to help children understand the world in which we live. (Scroll down, down, down.) More useful websites are also linked.
While you're on that website, take a look at their "Safe Children-Tweens-Teens" section (left-hand navigation column). There's a lot to consider there!
|
Wishing you a joyful end-of-summer, with time to rest, renew, plan, and prepare!
|
Kate Garcia
The Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia
540-342-6797
|
