Schools set to answer abuse questions
Catholic schools in the Albany Diocese are prepared to help students and parents deal with the clergy sexual abuse crisis. The diocesan Catholic School Office is readying a question-and-answer sheet to help teachers with their own questions as well as those students and parents might pose, said Sister Jane Herb, superintendent.
"It's very important that teachers create environments where students feel free to ask questions," she said. "We hope that a child would feel that if something [abusive] happened any place, they could talk to their teacher."
The schools also educate students about personal boundaries and appropriate relationships, she said. In addition, teachers receive training on sexual harassment and abuse, and a course on New York State's Mandated Reporting Law is part of the certification process.
Sister Mary Ellen Owens, principal of Holy Cross School in Albany, is not sure if students will have any questions about the current crisis. However, she has been approached over the summer by parents with questions. Her goal in answering is to be open and honest. In addition, she encourages families to pray for the victims of abuse as well as for others.