Safe Environment Office

VOLUNTEER CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK

All Criminal Record Checks are  processed through the Safe Environment Office. Forms are completed at the requesting organization and are then returned to the Safe Environment Office for submission. Neither individuals nor offices, other than the SEO, may submit a request for a Criminal Record Check if using the CRRP form. There is no fee for this process for volunteers.

In order to apply online for a Criminal Record Background Check for volunteers a BC Services Mobile Card must be created at www.gov.bc.ca/bcservicescard    The Criminal Record Check may then be requested online at https://justice.gov.bc.ca/criminalrecordcheck.   This process, which is free to applicants, requires a code which is available from the Safe Environment Coordinator. The process is available for school, parish and organizational volunteers.

Volunteers are still able to request a Criminal Record Check through their local RCMP detachment. This request must  include a Vulnerable Sector Check for children AND vulnerable adults. There is a fee for this process.

EMPLOYEE CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK

All school employees must complete a Criminal Record Background Check with Vulnerable Sector Check for adults and children through CRRP. The paper form for the CRRP must be returned to the Safe Environment Office for submission. Individuals may not submit the form. 

Individuals may apply online at https://justice.gov.bc.ca/criminalrecordcheck  but must first visit www.gov.bc.ca/bcservicescard to create a BC Services Mobile Card. The online application will require a special code for processing, available from the Safe Environment Office.

The process for teachers involves ordering a Sharing Form. This process may be done online using the BC Services ecard, or by submitting the paper form to the CISND Office.

All parish employees must provide a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check for adults and children by visiting the RCMP or local municipal police. They may not apply online.

When you visit the RCMP or local municipal police, remember the following:

FINGERPRINTING

In some cases, fingerprinting is required to complete the Criminal Record Check (a fee will apply).  If you have been asked to go for fingerprints, contact the Safe Environment Office immediately (250-448-2725 or email).  The SEO will provide you with instructions and make a note on your file.

Fingerprints are used to confirm your identity when some of your personal information matches that of a pardoned sex offender.

The processing time for fingerprinting can be up to 22 weeks.  You will not be approved to work/volunteer in the Diocese until the final results of the Criminal Record Check, including the fingerprinting, have been submitted to, and reviewed by, the Safe Environment Office.

WORKPLACE BULLYING AND HARASSMENT POLICY

The Diocese of Nelson is committed to creating and maintaining a work environment where people are treated, and treat each other, professionally and respectfully in their interactions and where the dignity of all individuals is upheld. The Workplace Bullying and Harassment training is required every five years for employees and contractors.

Documents and Forms

TRAINING VIDEOS

Follow this procedure when using the online training videos:

1. The Pastor, Principal or Safe Environment Coordinator schedules a meeting with the applicant at the parish/school.
2. The Pastor, Principal or Safe Environment Coordinator enters the password. Do not give the password to the applicant.
3. The applicant watches the entire video in the presence of the Pastor, Principal or Safe Environment Coordinator – no fast-forwarding or stopping it early.
4. The Pastor, Principal or Safe Environment Coordinator who supervised the training signs the confirmation of training and mails the original form to the Safe Environment Office.

Safe Environment Training Video - 46 minutes
Updated Information:  To report suspected abuse or neglect, phone 1-800-663-9122 at any time of the day or night.  Children or Youth may call the Helpline for Children at 310-1234 at any time.

Respectiful Workplace Training Video  - 37 minutes
(Workplace Bullying & Harassment Prevention)

Safe Environment Policy Training PowerPoint - 40 minutes
This presentation must be made by the SEC using the sidebar commentary in person or via Zoom.
It is not a stand alone presentation at this time.

LINKS

Church Links

• Safe Environment Advisory Committee - Diocese of Nelson
• Abuse of Minors.  The Church's Response - The Vatican
• From Pain to Hope - Report from the Ad Hoc Committee on Child Sexual Abuse  -  Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Child and Youth Protection Links

• Protecting Children - BC Ministry of Children and Family Development
• Responding to Child Welfare Concerns:  Your Role in Knowing When and What to Report - BC MCFD
• The BC Handbook for Action on Child Abuse and Neglect - BC MCFD
• Canadian Centre for Child Protection
• Child Sexual Abuse:  It is Your Business - CCCP
• Guide for Parents:  A guide to protect children in child serving organizations - Commit to Kids of CCCP

Vulnerable Adult Assistance Links

• BC Centre for Elder Advocacy and Support
• Help for Victims of Elder Abuse and Neglect - VictimLink BC
• Information for Seniors - Government of Canada
• Disability Alliance of BC