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:
Vice-Chancellor Dominic Faraone serves as diocesan Safe Environment Coordinator.
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
- education and training to recognize the signs of violation of children and young people is provided to all paid staff members, those volunteers engaged in ministry to and for children, and parents
- education is provided for children about the potential for abuse, especially sexual abuse, and ways to respond should they be victims of it
- all paid staff and those volunteers who have regular contact with children are evaluated to determine their suitability for association with children and young people
- paid staff and volunteers accept responsibility to report immediately any suspected acts of abuse of children and young people in their charge 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 children and young people as representative of the Catholic Diocese of Evansville are also willing to agree to background checks and educational 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
Vice-Chancellor Dominic Faraone serves as diocesan Safe Environment Coordinator.
COMPONENTS
Components of a framework to accomplish this task include:
1. DIOCESAN REPORT AND INFORM POLICY
2. REGLAMENTO DIOCESANO DE INFORMAR Y DENUNCIAR
3. BEST PRACTICES FOR PASTORAL CONDUCT
4. MEJORES PRACTICAS PARA LA CONDUCTA PASTORAL CON LOS MENORES DE EDAD
5. BEST PRACTICES FOR ADULTS WHO WORK WITH MINORS
6. MEJORES PRACTICAS PARA ADULTOS QUE TRABAJAN CON MENORES DE EDAD
7. CURRICULUM AND RESOURCES FOR EDUCATION ON PERSONAL SAFETY FOR CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE, FAMILIES, AND MINISTERS
8. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS ON ALL PAID STAFF AND THOSE VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE REGULAR CONTACT WITH MINORS
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.
Components of a framework to accomplish this task include:
1. DIOCESAN REPORT AND INFORM POLICY
2. REGLAMENTO DIOCESANO DE INFORMAR Y DENUNCIAR
3. BEST PRACTICES FOR PASTORAL CONDUCT
4. MEJORES PRACTICAS PARA LA CONDUCTA PASTORAL CON LOS MENORES DE EDAD
5. BEST PRACTICES FOR ADULTS WHO WORK WITH MINORS
6. MEJORES PRACTICAS PARA ADULTOS QUE TRABAJAN CON MENORES DE EDAD
7. CURRICULUM AND RESOURCES FOR EDUCATION ON PERSONAL SAFETY FOR CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE, FAMILIES, AND MINISTERS
8. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS ON ALL PAID STAFF AND THOSE VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE REGULAR CONTACT WITH MINORS
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.
Diocese of Evansville Policies and Procedures Regarding Sexual Misconduct with Minors, Diocesan Review Board, Victim Assistance Coordinator
1. DIOCESAN REPORT AND INFORM POLICY
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. 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.
Diocesan Review Board members are Mrs. Julie Bassler, Chairperson, Mr. Thomas Wedding, Vice-Chairperson, Mrs. Lisa Provost, Rev. David Nunning, Dr. James Schroeder, Dr. David Cerling, Mr. Daniel Tuley
A Diocesan Review Board Resource Booklet is available here.
4. 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.
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. 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.
Diocesan Review Board members are Mrs. Julie Bassler, Chairperson, Mr. Thomas Wedding, Vice-Chairperson, Mrs. Lisa Provost, Rev. David Nunning, Dr. James Schroeder, Dr. David Cerling, Mr. Daniel Tuley
A Diocesan Review Board Resource Booklet is available here.
4. 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.
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. People can call 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.
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.
Resources for Parish Coordinators
SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING FOR ADULTS
SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING FOR CHILDREN
Curricula: Catholic Schools safe environment curriculum, Religious Education safe environment curriculum
Resources
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
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
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
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.