The Diocese of Nashville has been taking strong steps to provide a safe environment for all children. Tennessee State Law requires that anyone who reasonably suspects that abuse is taking place to report it to civil authorities. Experts tell us that an awareness of child abuse and a willingness to respond to any reports that might come forward are two very good ways to prevent future abuse. The policies of the diocese have for many years and continue to fully support the state law. The bishop has further encouraged anyone who knows of, or suspects that abuse has taken place, to make the proper reports to the civil authorities, as well as the diocese if the potential abuser is an employee or volunteer of the diocese or one of its institutions. To assist in providing safe environments, we provide the following contacts to report suspected abuse, diocesan policies, an abuse detection and reporting educational presentation, abuse prevention resources, and information about the Diocesan Safe Environment Committee and Parish Safe Environment Coordinators. The diocesan policies are also available in Spanish for Spanish speaking employees and volunteers.