Safe Environment Program
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United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People Overview The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People is a comprehensive set of procedures established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in June 2002 for addressing allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy. The Charter also includes guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability, and prevention of future acts of abuse. The Charter directions action in all the following matters:
Development The Catholic bishops of the United States adopted the Charter in June 2002. The Charter was revised and approved in June 2005. The Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons (Essential Norms) was approved by the Apostolic See in December 2002 and a revision was approved January 2006. In June 2011, the USCCB approved a revised Charter, which modified the definition of sexual abuse of a minor to include:
Parents Parents have the right to insist their parishes and schools are in compliance with the Charter. All parishes and schools should be able to show parents that the clergy, employees, and volunteers who work with children are familiar with the warning signs of offenders, what to do if they have a concern about someone, and how to report suspected abuse. Employees and volunteers who work with children also need to have their backgrounds evaluated so parents can have a reasonable assurance that known offenders are not around their children. USCCB Resources |
Diocese of Evansville
Framework for Youth Protection Overview and Vision The Diocese of Evansville has been working with parents, civil authorities, educators, and various organizations in the community to make and maintain the safest environment for minors. The vision for our diocese is one wherein:
Components of a framework to accomplish this task include:
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Pope Francis' Motu Proprio, Vos estis lux mundi
("You are the light of the world") |
Nationwide service launched to report sexual misconduct involving
U.S. Bishops |
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In May 2019, Pope Francis released the Motu Proprio Vos estis lux mundi ("You are the light of the world"), which ordered a worldwide response to the evil of sexual abuse. It calls for the establishment of easily accessible reporting systems, clear standards for the pastoral support of victims and their families, timeliness and thoroughness of investigations, whistleblower protection for those making allegations, and active involvement of the laity.
In June 2019, the U.S. Catholic Bishops approved three additional measures to address abuse and bishop accountability. The measures expand upon Pope Francis' Motu Proprio and the U.S. Bishops' Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The reforms are designed to hold bishops accountable for instances of sexual misconduct against minors and vulnerable adults. Documents
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Catholic dioceses in the United States have established a third-party reporting system to receive allegations of sexual abuse, sexual misconduct and cover-up of abuse by bishops. People can call a toll-free hotline at 800-276-1562 to submit a complaint or make a report on-line at ReportBishopAbuse.org.
More English- and Spanish-language details about this reporting system are available HERE. |
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Policies and Procedures Regarding Sexual Misconduct with Minors and the Diocesan Review Board
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April is
Child Abuse Prevention Month |
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In 1995 the following two documents were promulgated: Policy for Handling Accusations of Abuse, and Guidelines for Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse. In August of 2002, Policies and Procedures Regarding Clerical Sexual Misconduct with Minors was promulgated in accord with the Essential Norms of the Charter. This policy provided for the establishment of a Review Board, a Victim Assistance Coordinator, and a Promoter of Justice. It was re-promulgated on August 20, 2003, expanding the 2002 policy to include all diocesan personnel, not just clergy. The term diocesan personnel is defined in the document as all ordained and non-ordained ministers, employees, and volunteers who provide services, paid or unpaid, for the Diocese or any of its entities. The most recent revision of the Policies and Procedures was adopted on April 5, 2017.
Diocesan Review Board members are:
Mrs. Sylvia Groves is the diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator. Vice-Chancellor Dominic Faraone serves as diocesan Safe Environment Coordinator. |
Every April, child and youth serving organizations including Catholic dioceses, participate in National Child Abuse Prevention Month to highlight the importance of protecting minors from abuse. Resources, including a Diocesan Resource and Rosary Booklets for healing and protection, are available here.
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Background Checks
In 1997 the Catholic Schools Office began conducting criminal background checks for all newly hired administrators and teachers. Following the establishment of the Charter in 2002, all paid employees and those volunteers who have regular contact with youth are required to submit to background checks.
Youth Protection Training
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Calendar of Adult Trainings (all times are Local)
* It is important that you contact the parish/school to register. The number of participants at each training may need to be limited, due to social distancing requirements. |
Training Children
Curricula Resources
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Safe Environment Data Hub
Curriculum Verification Form
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Parish Religious Education
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Catholic Schools
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