Protecting GOD'S Children

St. Thomas More School, and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, are committed to providing a safe environment for children. The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph REQUIRES all parish and school employees and all volunteers in children's programs (school and childcare volunteers, coaches, chaperones, SOR teachers, Youth Ministers, Sacristans and Confirmation leaders) to take Protecting God's Children, a workshop designed to help raise awareness about child sexual abuse and create safer environments for all of our children. While employees and volunteers working with children are required to attend, all persons interested in making our world safer for children are welcome and encouraged to attend. Adults who attend the session will come away with practical information about the warning signs of child abuse, ways to prevent abuse, strategies for handling suspicions of abuse and ways to respond.   ​

REPORTING Suspected Abuse

​The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph is committed to combating sexual abuse in the Church. If you are a victim of sexual abuse, or if you observe or suspect sexual abuse:

1. Call the Missouri Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-392-3738 (if the victim is currently under the age of 18), and 
2. Contact your local law enforcement agency or call 911, and 
3. After reporting to these civil and law enforcement authorities, report suspected sexual abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult to the Diocesan Ombudsman at 816-812-2500 if the abuse involves a priest, deacon, employee or volunteer of the Diocese of
   ​Kansas City-St. Joseph. 

VICTIM ADVOCATE
The Diocese has a sincere commitment to providing care and healing resources to victims of sexual abuse and their families. Please contact Victim Advocate, Kathleen Chastain, at 816-392-0011 or [email protected] for more information. 

​OMBUDSMAN​
The ombudsman receives and investigates all reports of inappropriate behavior or sexual misconduct by clergy, employees or volunteers in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

To make a confidential report, please contact:
Public Liaison Officer Ombudsman - 816-812-2500

School SAFETY Concerns

​Together, we share the responsibility of creating and maintaining a positive, supportive and safe environment in our Catholic Schools.  You are encouraged to report safety concerns related to our school communities in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.  This may include concerns about the safety and security of students, employees, volunteers, and/or property.  Your report will be received by the appropriate people designated to address your concern.  We in turn make a commitment to respond to the report (when your contact information provided).  Please note that when school is not in session, there may be a delay in response until school office hours resume. 

See more details and submit an online report here.

If you have concerns unrelated to the school community, please contact your local pastor, parish, or diocesan official directly.

Report, Share, Prevent