Safe Environment Program

Recognizing that children are a precious gift, Knights of Columbus has always made their safety and well-being the highest priority in the Order's programs and activities. In partnership with Praesidium, an organization that has worked to provide knowledge and tools that safeguard against sexual predators for more than 20 years, the Order continues its strong tradition of maintaining the highest standards regarding the protection of young people. Through this partnership, the Order provides youth leaders with access to the most up-to-date resources to keep children safe, including Praesidium's Armatus® online training, background screenings, and an exclusive hotline to report child safety concerns (1-844–KOFC–SAFE (844–563–2723)). All materials are available in English, Spanish and French to make the content accessible to all members who will be asked to fulfill organizational requirements. Please note that the Praesidium Armatus online platform is an English site, but each training course is available in both French and Spanish.

All members of Knights of Columbus, especially youth leaders, grand knights and faithful navigators, are required to report any suspicion of sexual, emotional, physical abuse or neglect of a child participating in Knights of Columbus programs. If you have direct or indirect knowledge of or have reasonable cause to suspect abuse or misconduct against a minor participating in any Knights of Columbus program, including Columbian Squires, regardless of whether the incident occurred recently or in the past, report any and all information immediately to: 1-844-KOFC-SAFE (844-563-2723)

All information submitted is maintained in strict confidence. Knights of Columbus prohibits retaliation against those who have direct or indirect knowledge of or have reasonable cause to suspect abuse or misconduct against a minor and who make a good faith report of such abuse or misconduct.

For questions or concerns relating to the Knights of Columbus Safe Environment Program, or to receive a handbook containing Knights of Columbus Safe Environment Program policies and procedures, please submit your request to Quianna Richardson at 203-800-4940 or youthleader@kofc.org.