St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church is committed to providing a safe environment for all our parishioners - from the youngest to the oldest. As a part of that effort, the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings has instituted a strong Safe Environment Program. The parish of St. Thomas participates fully in that program. We provide mandatory training (including detailed background checks) for all volunteers and staff who work with children. We also provide parents with materials to use in discussing safe environment issues with their own children. If you have any questions about the safe environment program and its implementation at St. Thomas, or if you would like to begin the safe environment process, please contact the Parish Office at 406-656-5800.

Mandatory Reporting

Anyone can report suspected abuse or neglect of a child. In Montana, child abuse or neglect includes physical, emotional or sexual abuse of minors (as well as exploitation) and is taken seriously by the Montana justice system. Adults with regular access to or communication with children who have reason to believe a child has been abused are required to report it to the authorities. Mandatory reporters in Montana include; teachers, clergy, police officers and child care workers. Reports can be made by phone to the local Family Service office and should be made immediately after the first suspicion of abuse. To report possible child abuse or neglect call toll-free 1 (866) 820-5437 to speak with a Centralized Intake Specialist. 

Steps to take:

1. Report suspected abuse promptly to the Department of Public Health and Human Services, Child and Family Services Division’s MONTANA’S STATEWIDE TOLL-FREE CHILD ABUSE HOTLINE, (1-866-820-5437).
2. After being reported to civil authorities, contact your supervisor or pastor.
3. If the suspected abuse involves clergy or other church personnel, contact the Diocesan Vicar General at 406-727-6683, ext. 126



 For questions, please contact the Diocesan Safe Environment Coordinator at 406-727-6683, ext. 106

Resources

• Montana Child Abuse HOTLINE 1-866--820-KIDS (1-866-820-5437) 
• Diocesan Safe Environment Director: Lori Purpura (406) 727-6683, ext. 106 or safeenvironment@diocesegfb.org
  Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator (406) 750-2373
• USCCB: Children Safety Information