Helping Parents Understand and Cooperate

It is very important for parents to understand what we are doing, why we are doing it, and to know that they can choose to send their child for safe environment instruction or not.  They have, by state school code, and by the preference of the US Catholic Bishops, the right to exempt their own children from any instruction having to do with sexuality. It is their right to provide such instruction themselves. Parishes and schools may send home resources to help them, such as the handout from the “What Do I Say Now?” video. At minimum, parents must receive the diocesan brochure "A Parent's Guide to Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse."

However, please help parents understand that this is a SAFETY program and not one focusing primarily on "sexuality".  Some parents think that hearing about these issues might give their children "ideas".  An appropriate response is to ask them to consider honestly the value of having their child prepared to be safe when faced with a sexual predator, who already has the "ideas". 

Educational Programs
The Diocese of Joliet acknowledges the primacy of the role of parents in instructing children/youth about sexuality.  Parents may preview any materials that will be used for instruction.  They have the right to decline instruction for their children. 

The Diocese has carefully reviewed available programs and has a list of approved resources. (Click here)  Only materials from this list, or those which have received prior individual review and approval by the Religious Education Office or the Catholic Schools Office may be used.

The Talking About Touching program has been modified for use in the Joliet Diocese.  Catholic values, prayer and scripture readings are incorporated into the classes.  Private body parts are not named.  A video for parents, integral to the program, makes it clear that parents have the primary responsibility to teach their children and teens safety about touching as well as the names of the private body parts.

All other diocesan-approved resources conform to this standard. At no time is a teacher or catechist to mention the names of private body parts and none of the materials invite this during the classroom instruction or faith formation session. 

Parent Instruction
Be sure to use the parent video, “What Do I Say Now”, a live speaker or other appropriate resource, and give parents the opportunity to review any materials their children will see as well.  Send home to all parents the handout provided in the Talking About Touching kit bagged with the parent videotape, completed with local crisis phone numbers, so that even parents who do not attend a showing of the video get the valuable summary information on this sheet.