Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

In January 2025, individuals certified in safe environment practices within the Diocese of Lincoln will undergo a streamlined recertification process. The new procedure requires them to watch a training video and answer questions annually, rather than on the anniversary of their initial certification.

Jeff Hohlen, the safe environment director and victims assistance coordinator for the Diocese of Lincoln, explained that this change aims to simplify compliance for local site administrators. "The goal of this effort is to streamline the process and make it easier for local site administrators to ensure safe environment compliance at every institution," he stated. Hohlen is collaborating with diocesan Human Resources Director Marsha Bartek and General Counsel Andrew Pease on this initiative.

The annual renewal process is designed to provide consistent training for clergy, religious members, lay employees, and volunteers who interact with youth. It focuses on maintaining safe boundaries, detecting abuse, and reporting safety concerns. "The safe environment training renewal provides an annual training for all clergy, religious, lay employees, and volunteers who are in contact with youth," Hohlen said.

This measure is part of broader efforts to protect youth and vulnerable adults across diocesan institutions such as parishes and schools. Each diocese determines its own training schedule; however, Lincoln's approach is more frequent than many others. "Our annual renewal is more frequent than many other institutions, Catholic and non-Catholic," noted Hohlen.

Since joining the diocesan staff in 2019 after serving over a decade with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Police Force, Hohlen has observed significant improvements in proactive reporting practices. Strong communication between his office and local site administrators has been vital in upholding protection standards.

Successful completion of retraining allows participants to print their certification of completion. Hohlen's office monitors completed trainings and background checks annually but emphasizes that safeguarding youth requires ongoing vigilance from all adults within the diocese.

Hohlen urges anyone with concerns about safe environments or potential abuse to report them promptly. He emphasized erring on caution: "If you have any safe environment concerns, please report it to me." Concerns about minors or vulnerable adults should be reported first to law enforcement.

For suspicions of child abuse or neglect in Nebraska, individuals can call 1-800-652-1999. Direct reports can be made to Jeff Hohlen at 402-314-2899 or via email protected by JavaScript from spambots.

Victim assistance inquiries can be directed via email protected by JavaScript from spambots as well. The diocese’s policies are publicly accessible online at www.lincolndiocese.org/safe-environment/policies.

"We must always remain vigilant in protecting youth and vulnerable adults," affirmed Hohlen.