Dear Parents:
   Creating a safe environment for children and youth is a priority in the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth. The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People Article 12, established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, directs all dioceses to create programs and processes to teach children and youth about sexual abuse and its prevention. In the Diocese of Fort Worth, this program will be integrated into the religious education classes each year in all parishes.
   The Empowering God’s Children program for grades K through 12 promotes self-protection for your children and youth.  This year, we are providing you with links to an age-appropriate 6–11-minute video (see links on this page).
   - Please watch this video with your child(ren) and then check “Yes” in the form below.  In the box provided, please enter your child’s name, their grade, and the date your child watched the video.  Then input your name and submit the form.
   - If you do not want your child to participate in the self-protection program, select “No” as appropriate. 
   In the words of Bishop Olson, “We share a great responsibility to understand the nature of abuse and the steps we must take to establish and maintain safe, holy, and faith affirming environments.  The requirement for in-depth renewal is designed to safeguard children and young people and to protect all members of the diocesan community in parishes, schools, and ministries.”
   We thank you for your support and interest as we partner to give our children the safest possible environment to grow in faith, in our parishes, in our homes, and in our communities.