FAQ's

- What are the steps to become safe environment cleared?
  1. Screening form - Complete the screening form – it will ask for 3 references and a criminal background check will be run as well
  2. Training - Watch a training video (comprised of 9 short videos) and take a quiz. The videos and quiz will take about 90 minutes and can be completed in segments if you cannot watch them all in one sitting
  3. Interview. Participate in an interview with the Safe Environment Director
- Which volunteers need to be cleared?
  Any volunteer who wants to work with children or vulnerable adults in our parish. Specific ministries include but are not limited to:
  
  Children’s Liturgy of the Word
  
  Toddler Faith Formation
  
  Nursery
  
  Pre-school Teacher
  
  Family Faith Formation Programs
  
  Youth Group Programs
  
  Eucharist Ministers to the Sick
  
  Hospitality Ministers
  
  Sacristans
  
  Employees
  
  Music Ministries
  
  SVDP
  
  Prison Ministry
  
  Money Counters
  
  Welcome Desk Volunteers
  
  Vacation Bible School
  
  Habitat for Humanity
  
  Pro-Life
  
  Jesse Tree
  
  Lifts of Love
  
  Knights of Columbus
  
  American Heritage Girls
- How do I obtain a safe environment badge?
  Once you finish the steps of the safe environment process and we have received information from your references and background check, you will receive an email indicating that your badge is ready for pick up.
- How often do I need to renew my clearance?
  Annual renewal is required to stay current. The criminal background check will be run every two years.
- If I am cleared in another Diocese, does that satisfy my requirement for the Dallas Diocese?
  Every volunteer at St. Gabriel’s must use the training provided by the Diocese, therefore we cannot transfer clearance from another Diocese.
- If I am a community professional (i.e., teacher, doctor, nurse, police officer) does my training for my profession count for my safe environment training?
  Every volunteer at St. Gabriel’s must use the training provided by the Diocese as it contains specifics as to the expectations we have within our Diocese, therefore we cannot use your professional training to satisfy the safe environment requirements.
- How long does the training video take?
  You should allow about 90 minutes to watch the videos and complete the 25-question quiz.
- Will I be notified of the results of my background check?
  We will only notify volunteers of the results of the background check if there is a discrepancy found.
- Why do I need an interview for safe environment?
  An interview is required so that the Safe Environment Director (or the Ministry Lead) can meet all of our volunteers and determine whether the potential volunteer is a good fit for our parish and also reiterate specific safe environment policies and procedures. It is also a great opportunity for the volunteer to ask questions as well.
- Is there additional training needed if I am volunteering to drive with youth in my vehicle?
  In addition to being safe environment cleared and at least 21 years of age, you will also need fill out the volunteer driver form and the Accutrak background check form. You will need to submit these two forms to the Safe Environment Director, as well as a copy of your driver’s license and insurance documentation stating that you have the following coverage: bodily injury: $100,000 each person/$300,000 each accident, property damage: $25,000 and uninsured motorist coverage.