Safe Environment Program

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:
  • Creating a safe environment for children and young people
  • Healing and reconciliation of victims and survivors
  • Making prompt and effective response to allegations
  • Cooperating with civil authorities
  • Disciplining offenders
  • Providing for means of accountability for the future to ensure the problem continues to be effectively dealt with through the Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection and the National Review Board.

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:
  • those persons who habitually lack the use of reason;
  • and the acquisition, possession, or distribution by a cleric of pornographic images of minors under the age of eighteen, for purposes of sexual gratification, by whatever means or using whatever technology.
 
In June 2012, the National Review Board released a report to bishops and the faithful to highlight both what has been done and what still needs to be done to protect children and restore trust.  The report is titled A Ten Year Progress Report.

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:
  • 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

The primary components of a framework to accomplish this task include the  items listed below:

                ​
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
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
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.  
​Policies and Procedures Regarding Sexual Misconduct with Minors and the Diocesan Review Board
April is
​Child Abuse Prevention  Month
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. Julie Bassler, Chairperson
  • Mr. Thomas Wedding, Vice-Chairperson
  • Mrs. Lisa Provost
  • Rev. David Nunning
  • Dr. James Schroeder
  • Dr. David  Cerling
  • Mr. Daniel Tuley

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.
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
Training Adults

Resources
Calendar of Adult Trainings

​* Please contact the parish/school to register
Training Children

Curricula
​Resources
Safe Environment
Data Hub
Curriculum Verification Form
Religious Education 
Catholic Schools