Professional Practices

Student Health, Safety, and Welfare

In accordance with the Florida Ethics in Education Act and Section 1006.061(1), Florida Statutes, all employees have a duty to report all actual or suspected cases of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Employees will have immunity from liability if they report abuse and have a duty to comply with child protective investigations as per the policy stated instructions in the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee Child Abuse Policy contained in the St. John Paul II Catholic High School Faculty Handbook. Failure to report abuse or misconduct is grounds for disciplinary action.

Reporting Misconduct by Instructional Personnel, Administrators and  Educational Support Employees

All employees and administrators have an obligation to report misconduct by instructional personnel and school administrators which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student. Examples of misconduct include obscene language, drug and alcohol use, disparaging comments, prejudice or bigotry, sexual innuendo, cheating or testing violations, physical aggression, and accepting or offering favors.

Reporting Misconduct by Instructional Personnel and Educational Support Employees:

Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee Superintendent of Schools, (850) 435-3540.

Click below to view the Catholic High School Standard of Ethical Conduct Policy. Additional policies related to standards of ethical conduct for administrators and instructors are available on the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee website at www.ptdiocese.org

Standards of Ethical Conduct

Reporting Abuse

• In the State of Florida, we are all considered “Mandatory Reporters” of abuse.
• If you suspect a child or vulnerable adult is being abused by anyone, please call Florida’s Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-abuse (1-800-962-2873), or if a child is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police or sheriff.
• If you are a victim, get free and anonymous help 365 days a year, 24 hours a day at Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453).
• To report suspected abuse within the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, email Chancellorsoffice@ptdiocese.org. Be sure to include your contact information so that we may reach you. Please include your first and last name, and how you would prefer to be contacted.
• If you would prefer to report abuse by phone, please call the Abuse Hotline provided by the Florida Department of Children and Families at 1-800-962-2873 (1-800-96ABUSE) or call the Diocesan Abuse Reporting Hotline at 850-435-3536.
• The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee encourages anyone who may have been abused, or who is aware of abuse, to report it so that we may help individuals in the healing process and better ensure the safety of all. All information supplied is maintained in strictest confidence, except where disclosure is required by law. Please provide the information requested so that we may contact you.

Victim Assistance

A relationship of faith and commitment exists between the Catholic Church and its members, and the public, whether they are children, young people, adults, or elderly. Sexual abuse in this context, or any other relationship, is a matter of grave concern.

Knowledge of such abuse requires a special response in order to facilitate the healing process and assure the safety of the community. With this in mind, the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee is committed to healing the hurting hearts of sexual abuse victims. This diocese has established Victim Assistance Coordinators who are experienced and trained counselors. These coordinators are available to help persons who have been sexually abused by a priest, deacon, or other church personnel in Northwest Florida.

Resources:
Victim Assistance Letter
Victim Assistance Flyer
Victim Assistance Flyer (Spanish)

Victim Assistance Coordinators

These Victim Assistance Coordinators are an additional way that the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee has dedicated itself to addressing sexual abuse by clergy or other church personnel.