In November 2002, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) adopted the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (the “Charter”) to assure a safer environment for children and young people and to express the responsibility of all to care for and reach out to the victims of sexual abuse and their families.  In 2011, the Charter was revised to emphasis the deep commitment of the Bishops to creating a safe environment and preventing the sexual abuse of minors.  Within the framework of the Charter, the Archdiocesan Safe Environment Program was developed.  

We, the Catholic faithful of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, share responsibility for the life and mission of the Church.  Each of us is called to celebrate, promote and when necessary to defend the life and dignity of every person.  This responsibility requires that together and individually we treat everyone with respect, do what we can to see that harm is never brought to others, especially minors and vulnerable adults, and seek to bring healing for those who have been harmed.
Safe Environment involves three pieces:

1. The reporting of known or suspected neglect or abuse which already have occurred,
2. The Safe Environment Protocol, a vetting and preparation process--often referred to as training--for all those wishing to be Archdiocesan or parish employees or volunteers who will have regular contact with minors, elderly, or the disabled, and
3. Teaching minors about child abuse prevention.