Safe Environment Program
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Resources
1. CHARTER FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE / ESSENTIAL NORMS / A STATEMENT OF EPISCOPAL COMMITMENT
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. It was revised in 2005, 2011, and 2018. A Statement of Episcopal Commitment and the Essential Norms are in the same booklet as the Charter but are not part of the Charter itself.
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.
2. ESTATUTO PARA LA PROTECCION DE NINOS Y JOVENES / NORMAS BASICAS PARA REGLAMENTOS / DECLARATION DE COMPROMISO EPISCOPAL
3. PREVENTION. PROTECTION. ACCOUNTABILITY. CREATING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL
4. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
5. ANNUAL AUDIT REPORTS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CHARTER FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
6. CHILDREN SAFETY INFORMATION LINKS
7. RESEARCH
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. It was revised in 2005, 2011, and 2018. A Statement of Episcopal Commitment and the Essential Norms are in the same booklet as the Charter but are not part of the Charter itself.
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.
2. ESTATUTO PARA LA PROTECCION DE NINOS Y JOVENES / NORMAS BASICAS PARA REGLAMENTOS / DECLARATION DE COMPROMISO EPISCOPAL
3. PREVENTION. PROTECTION. ACCOUNTABILITY. CREATING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL
4. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
5. ANNUAL AUDIT REPORTS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CHARTER FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
6. CHILDREN SAFETY INFORMATION LINKS
7. RESEARCH
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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:
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:
- youth are recognized and valued by all as true gifts from God
- safe environment training is provided to all clergy, employees, candidates for ordination, and volunteers that have regular contact with minors
- age-appropriate training is provided for children/youth in regard to personal safety
- all clergy, employees, candidates for ordination, and volunteers who have regular contact with children are evaluated to determine their suitability for association with minors
- all clergy, employees, candidates for ordination, and volunteers accept responsibility to report immediately any suspected acts of abuse or neglect of minors to appropriate civil and church authorities without concern for retribution from the accused or employers/institution in whose name they minister
- all who are willing to engage in ministry to minors as representatives of the Catholic Diocese of Evansville are also willing to agree to background checks and training programs designed to stem this heinous crime against children and young people
- the Catholic Diocese of Evansville will expend resources, both in personnel and finances, necessary to fulfill this vision and to maintain such programs appropriate to accomplish this vision
COMPONENTS
Components of a framework to accomplish this task include:
1. DIOCESAN REPORT AND INFORM POLICY - Diocesan policy that includes details about how to make a report of suspected abuse or neglect of a minor. A PDF of the policy is here. Indiana is a mandatory reporting state; anyone who suspects a child has been neglected or abused must by law make a report. The Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline is 1-800-800-5556.
2. REGLAMENTO DIOCESANO DE INFORMAR Y DENUNCIAR
3. BEST PRACTICES FOR PASTORAL CONDUCT - Includes standards of conduct for clergy, employees, candidates for ordination, and volunteers
4. MEJORES PRACTICAS PARA LA CONDUCTA PASTORAL CON LOS MENORES DE EDAD
5. BEST PRACTICES FOR ADULTS WHO WORK WITH MINORS - Includes additional standards of conduct for clergy, employees, candidates for ordination, and volunteers
6. MEJORES PRACTICAS PARA ADULTOS QUE TRABAJAN CON MENORES DE EDAD
7. EDUCATION AND TRAINING FOR CHILDREN/YOUTH, PARENTS, CLERGY, EMPLOYEES, CANDIDATES FOR ORDINATION, AND VOLUNTEERS THAT HAVE REGULAR CONTACT WITH MINORS - Please see the Education and Training section below.
8. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS ON ALL CLERGY, EMPLOYEES, CANDIDATES FOR ORDINATION, AND THOSE VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE REGULAR CONTACT WITH MINORS - Please see the Criminal Background Checks Resources section below.
Components of a framework to accomplish this task include:
1. DIOCESAN REPORT AND INFORM POLICY - Diocesan policy that includes details about how to make a report of suspected abuse or neglect of a minor. A PDF of the policy is here. Indiana is a mandatory reporting state; anyone who suspects a child has been neglected or abused must by law make a report. The Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline is 1-800-800-5556.
2. REGLAMENTO DIOCESANO DE INFORMAR Y DENUNCIAR
3. BEST PRACTICES FOR PASTORAL CONDUCT - Includes standards of conduct for clergy, employees, candidates for ordination, and volunteers
4. MEJORES PRACTICAS PARA LA CONDUCTA PASTORAL CON LOS MENORES DE EDAD
5. BEST PRACTICES FOR ADULTS WHO WORK WITH MINORS - Includes additional standards of conduct for clergy, employees, candidates for ordination, and volunteers
6. MEJORES PRACTICAS PARA ADULTOS QUE TRABAJAN CON MENORES DE EDAD
7. EDUCATION AND TRAINING FOR CHILDREN/YOUTH, PARENTS, CLERGY, EMPLOYEES, CANDIDATES FOR ORDINATION, AND VOLUNTEERS THAT HAVE REGULAR CONTACT WITH MINORS - Please see the Education and Training section below.
8. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS ON ALL CLERGY, EMPLOYEES, CANDIDATES FOR ORDINATION, AND THOSE VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE REGULAR CONTACT WITH MINORS - Please see the Criminal Background Checks Resources section below.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Dominic Faraone, Ph.D.
Vice-Chancellor and Safe Environment Coordinator
812-424-5536
Dominic Faraone, Ph.D.
Vice-Chancellor and Safe Environment Coordinator
812-424-5536
Education and Training
TRAINING FOR CLERGY, EMPLOYEES, CANDIDATES FOR ORDINATION, AND VOLUNTEERS THAT HAVE REGULAR CONTACT WITH MINORS
Clergy, employees, candidates for ordination, and volunteers that have regular contact with minors must complete youth protection training.
Resources:
Calendar of Trainings:
* Interested adults must please contact the parish/school, as there are space constraints due to the health concerns created by the COVID-19 pandemic. All times are Local.
Resources:
- Initial Training: PowerPoint, Creating and Maintaining Safe Environments
- Refresher Training: Safe Environment Program: Complying with Diocesan Policy
Calendar of Trainings:
* Interested adults must please contact the parish/school, as there are space constraints due to the health concerns created by the COVID-19 pandemic. All times are Local.
- St. Francis of Assisi Parish, St. Joseph Center, Dale, Saturday, April 3, 9:00 a.m.
- St. Philip Parish, Posey County, Wednesday, April 7, 6:30 p.m.
TRAINING FOR STUDENTS IN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS AND PARISH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Students in Catholic schools and parish religious education programs must be trained in regard to personal safety using age appropriate materials.
Curricula: Catholic Schools safe environment curriculum, Parish Religious Education safe environment curriculum
Resources
Curricula: Catholic Schools safe environment curriculum, Parish Religious Education safe environment curriculum
Resources
- PowerPoint, Just Say No to Bullying: How Not to be a Bully or Get Bullied
- PowerPoint, Healthy Choices = Healthy Relationships: How to Recognize Healthy Relationships and when Relationships are Unhealthy
- NetSmartz Workshop, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
- Be Here for Kids, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
- KidSmartz, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
- NSTeens, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Criminal Background Checks Resources
All diocesan clergy, employees, candidates for ordination, and those volunteers who have regular contact with minors are required to submit to background checks. Each religious order cleric and extern cleric (not incardinated in the Diocese of Evansville) who is presented for ministerial assignment in the Diocese of Evansville shall receive a background check and safe environment training by the Diocese of Evansville. If any religious order cleric or extern cleric will be serving within the diocese for at least thirty days, he must complete a background check and safe environment training by the Diocese of Evansville. Each religious order cleric and extern cleric who will be present in the Diocese of Evansville for an act of sacramental ministry or to celebrate or concelebrate a funeral or to preach is required to present a Letter of Suitability from his respective religious community or diocese in sufficient time prior to the scheduled ministerial event.
The diocesan background check provider is Selection.com. Before completing any of the documents below, contact the Youth Protection Coordinator in your parish or Catholic School.
1. BACKGROUND CHECK POLICY QUESTIONNAIRE AND AUTHORIZATION (PARISH EMPLOYEES AND PARISH/SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS). Persons with interest in employment in schools in the Diocese of Evansville should utilize the appropriate links here.
2. FAIR CREDIT REPORTING ACT DISCLOSURE / AUTHORIZATION FORM
3. CRIMINAL HISTORY POLICY, PROCEDURES, AND GUIDELINES - Explains the process followed when a criminal background check is returned with any offenses.
Selection.com provides a Quarterly Watch of individuals who have had their background checks processed through Selection.com.
The diocesan background check provider is Selection.com. Before completing any of the documents below, contact the Youth Protection Coordinator in your parish or Catholic School.
1. BACKGROUND CHECK POLICY QUESTIONNAIRE AND AUTHORIZATION (PARISH EMPLOYEES AND PARISH/SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS). Persons with interest in employment in schools in the Diocese of Evansville should utilize the appropriate links here.
2. FAIR CREDIT REPORTING ACT DISCLOSURE / AUTHORIZATION FORM
3. CRIMINAL HISTORY POLICY, PROCEDURES, AND GUIDELINES - Explains the process followed when a criminal background check is returned with any offenses.
Selection.com provides a Quarterly Watch of individuals who have had their background checks processed through Selection.com.
Implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People Audit
The Diocese of Evansville is audited to confirm its compliance with the requirements of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Parishes and schools are required to report compliance information to the diocesan Safe Environment Program, so that necessary information can be presented to auditors. Parishes and Schools that have questions related to submitting compliance information to the diocesan Safe Environment Program should contact Dominic Faraone, Vice-Chancellor and Safe Environment Coordinator, 812-424-5536.
Most recently, auditors informed that the Diocese of Evansville is in compliance with the data collection requirements for the 2019/2020 Charter audit period. In 2021, the diocese is scheduled to have an onsite audit.
1. AUDIT COMPLIANCE LETTER, 2019/2020
Most recently, auditors informed that the Diocese of Evansville is in compliance with the data collection requirements for the 2019/2020 Charter audit period. In 2021, the diocese is scheduled to have an onsite audit.
1. AUDIT COMPLIANCE LETTER, 2019/2020
Diocese of Evansville Policies and Procedures Regarding Sexual Misconduct with Minors, Diocesan Review Board, Victim Assistance Coordinator
1. DIOCESAN REPORT AND INFORM POLICY, which includes details about how to make a report of suspected abuse or neglect of a minor. A PDF of the policy is available here. Indiana is a mandatory reporting state; anyone who suspects a child has been neglected or abused must by law make a report. The Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline is 1-800-800-5556.
2. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES REGARDING SEXUAL MISCONDUCT WITH MINORS
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.
3. VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR
The first obligation of the Church with regard to victims is for healing and reconciliation. The diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator is Mrs. Sylvia Groves. To inform the Victim Assistance Coordinator, please call toll-free 866-200-3004 or local 812-490-9565.
4. DIOCESAN REVIEW BOARD MEMBERS
The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and Essential Norms stipulate that each bishop must establish a review board to function as a confidential, consultative body to the bishop on matters related to the response of the local church to issues surrounding the sexual abuse of minors by priests and deacons. The review board, established by the bishop, will be composed of at least five persons of outstanding integrity and good judgement in full communion with the Church. The majority of the review board members will be lay persons who are not in the employ of the diocese; but at least one member should be a priest who is an experienced and respected pastor of the diocese, and at least one member should have particular expertise in the treatment of the sexual abuse of minors. In every case that an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by a cleric is presented to the diocese, the matter shall be brought to the attention of the diocesan review board.
Diocesan Review Board members are Julie Bassler, Chairperson, Thomas Wedding, Vice-Chairperson, Lisa Provost, M.S., Rev. David Nunning, James Schroeder, Ph.D., David Cerling, Ph.D., Mr. Daniel Tuley, J.D.
A Diocesan Review Board Resource Booklet is available here.
5. LIST OF CREDIBLE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST CLERGY
2. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES REGARDING SEXUAL MISCONDUCT WITH MINORS
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.
3. VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR
The first obligation of the Church with regard to victims is for healing and reconciliation. The diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator is Mrs. Sylvia Groves. To inform the Victim Assistance Coordinator, please call toll-free 866-200-3004 or local 812-490-9565.
4. DIOCESAN REVIEW BOARD MEMBERS
The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and Essential Norms stipulate that each bishop must establish a review board to function as a confidential, consultative body to the bishop on matters related to the response of the local church to issues surrounding the sexual abuse of minors by priests and deacons. The review board, established by the bishop, will be composed of at least five persons of outstanding integrity and good judgement in full communion with the Church. The majority of the review board members will be lay persons who are not in the employ of the diocese; but at least one member should be a priest who is an experienced and respected pastor of the diocese, and at least one member should have particular expertise in the treatment of the sexual abuse of minors. In every case that an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by a cleric is presented to the diocese, the matter shall be brought to the attention of the diocesan review board.
Diocesan Review Board members are Julie Bassler, Chairperson, Thomas Wedding, Vice-Chairperson, Lisa Provost, M.S., Rev. David Nunning, James Schroeder, Ph.D., David Cerling, Ph.D., Mr. Daniel Tuley, J.D.
A Diocesan Review Board Resource Booklet is available here.
5. LIST OF CREDIBLE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST CLERGY
Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service
Catholic dioceses in the United States have established a third-party reporting system to gather and relay reports of sexual misconduct involving bishops of the United States, and reports of their intentional interference in a sexual abuse investigation.
The Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service offers a toll-free hotline at 800-276-1562 to submit a complaint. Or, make a report on-line at ReportBishopAbuse.org. (En Espanol).
An FAQs resource is available here.
The Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service offers a toll-free hotline at 800-276-1562 to submit a complaint. Or, make a report on-line at ReportBishopAbuse.org. (En Espanol).
An FAQs resource is available here.
Pope Francis' Motu Proprio, Vos estis lux mundi
("You are the light of the world")
("You are the light of the world")
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.
1. POPE FRANCIS MOTU PROPRIO VOS ESTIS LUX MUNDI
2. PROTOCOL REGARDING AVAILABLE NON-PENAL RESTRICTIONS ON BISHOPS
This form of accountability provides protocols for imposing limitations on former bishops who were removed from office for grave reasons. It also empowers the USCCB president to restrict bishops removed or resigned for reasons related to sexual abuse or abuse of power.
3. AFFIRMING OUR EPISCOPAL COMMITMENTS
This accountability measure implements a bishop code of conduct, including the affirmation that the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People is expanded to include bishops as well as priests and deacons.
4. DIRECTIVES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF VOS ESTIS LUX MUNDI CONCERNING BISHOPS AND THEIR EQUIVALENTS
Presents a plan for optimal implementation of Pope Francis’s recent Motu proprio in the United States, including an outline for lay involvement.
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.
1. POPE FRANCIS MOTU PROPRIO VOS ESTIS LUX MUNDI
2. PROTOCOL REGARDING AVAILABLE NON-PENAL RESTRICTIONS ON BISHOPS
This form of accountability provides protocols for imposing limitations on former bishops who were removed from office for grave reasons. It also empowers the USCCB president to restrict bishops removed or resigned for reasons related to sexual abuse or abuse of power.
3. AFFIRMING OUR EPISCOPAL COMMITMENTS
This accountability measure implements a bishop code of conduct, including the affirmation that the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People is expanded to include bishops as well as priests and deacons.
4. DIRECTIVES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF VOS ESTIS LUX MUNDI CONCERNING BISHOPS AND THEIR EQUIVALENTS
Presents a plan for optimal implementation of Pope Francis’s recent Motu proprio in the United States, including an outline for lay involvement.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
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.
Parish Coordinator Data Hub
PARISH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Click here for the Curriculum Verification Form for reporting training of children and youth in Parish Religious Education Classes
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Click here for the Curriculum Verification Form for reporting training of children and youth in Catholic Schools
PARISH/SCHOOL SITE VISIT
Click here for the form used during a Parish/School Site Visit
Click here for the Curriculum Verification Form for reporting training of children and youth in Parish Religious Education Classes
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Click here for the Curriculum Verification Form for reporting training of children and youth in Catholic Schools
PARISH/SCHOOL SITE VISIT
Click here for the form used during a Parish/School Site Visit