Safe Environment & Child Protection

Every child deserves to be safe, respected, and cared for. St. Joseph Parish is committed to protecting children and young people and to helping adults understand their responsibility to speak up when something is wrong.

Find reporting contacts, support through the Diocese of Toledo, and the steps employees and volunteers should take before serving the parish.

If a child is in immediate danger, call 911. For suspected child abuse or neglect, contact local law enforcement or Children Services directly.

Report Abuse or a Concern

Contact civil authorities directly if you suspect child abuse or neglect. You do not need to contact the parish first.

Contact Civil Authorities

Seneca County Children Services

419-447-5011

Children Services receives reports of suspected abuse or neglect 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Seneca County reporting information

Outside Seneca County, contact the local Children Services agency or law enforcement where the child is located.

Reporting to the Church does not replace reporting to civil authorities. Please use the reporting contacts here rather than a general parish contact form.

Reporting a Bishop

For sexual abuse by a bishop or a bishop’s interference with an abuse allegation, contact civil authorities and the Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service at 800-276-1562. See the Diocese’s reporting guidance for the service’s scope.

Before You Begin Serving

Safe-environment requirements depend on your role. Contact the parish before starting training or a background check so you receive the correct instructions.

  1. Check with the parish. Ask the parish office to connect you with the safe-environment compliance contact and confirm what your ministry requires.
  2. Complete your assigned requirements. These may include a background check, Protecting God’s Children and Vulnerable Adults training through VIRTUS, and an agreement to follow the diocesan Standards of Behavior and Boundaries.
  3. Confirm your status before serving. Check with the parish that the required records and approvals are in place.
VIRTUS Instructions & Login

Official Diocesan Resources

Use the Diocese of Toledo’s current resources for policies, screening requirements, and public accountability information.

Child Protection Policy & Standards

Diocesan policy, behavior and boundaries, and related resources.

View Policies

Background Check Requirements

Current instructions for volunteers, parish employees, and school employees.

View Requirements

Clergy Status Report

The Diocese’s published clergy status information.

View Report

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. Requirements vary with the role and contact with children. The diocesan policy also includes behavior and boundaries expectations for volunteers without contact with minors. Ask us which requirements apply to you.

  • The Diocese lists a five-year renewal for the protecting-youth course and the online volunteer background check. Employee and school requirements differ. Confirm your own renewal dates and any additional requirements with the parish.

  • Contact us before starting again or creating a new VIRTUS account. Ask the compliance contact to review your existing record and explain what is still needed for your role at St. Joseph.

  • Yes. You may contact civil authorities and the Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator about past abuse.

  • The diocesan Child Protection Policy includes Standards of Behavior and Boundaries. Read the policy and related resources.