Thousands trained to prevent abuse

Thousands of employees and volunteers in the Albany Diocese, its parishes and schools have completed "Protecting God's Children," a child abuse recognition and prevention program.

In addition, the Diocese has invited victims/survivors of clergy sexual abuse who are interested in support groups to contact Theresa Rodrigues, victim/survivor assistance coordinator for the Diocese, at 453-6646. Several groups are offered locally, run by agencies independent of the Diocese.

The prevention program for employees and volunteers has three main objectives: awareness of child sexual abuse, recognizing the signs of such abuse and knowing what to do if abuse is suspected.

It is offered throughout the Diocese. While registration is not required, doing so would be helpful for planners and can be done on-line. The following are upcoming presentations (go to www.rcda.org to keep updated):

* Sept. 18: St. Alphonsus, Glens Falls, 6:30-9 p.m.; and Holy Trinity, Schaghticoke, 6:30-9 p.m.;

* Sept. 21: St. John's, Valatie, 6-8:30 p.m.;

* Sept. 23, St. Casimir's, Amsterdam, 6:30-9 p.m.;

* Sept. 24, Our Lady of Grace, Ballston Lake, 6:30-9 p.m.;

* Sept. 25, Sacred Heart, Castleton, 6:30-9 p.m.;

* Sept. 27, St. Vincent's, Albany, 9-11:30 a.m.;

* Sept. 29, St. Catherine's, Albany, 6:30-9 p.m.

(9/18/03) [[In-content Ad]]