Protecting God's Children
Protecting God’s Children—If you were unable to attend the workshops we had here last week there are several coming up in the Charlotte area you may take advantage of. Log on to www.charlottediocese.org, click on Protecting God’s Children, click on training for a list and how to register. Or call the parish office if you do not have access to a computer.
The Diocese of Charlotte continues its commitment to providing a safe environment for all people, especially the young and the vulnerable.
In 2002, the bishops of the United States issued the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (charter). The charter addressed the Church’s commitment to respond effectively, appropriately and compassionately to cases of abuse of minors by priests, deacons or other Church personnel.
On July 1, 2003, the diocese issued the revised Policy of the Diocese of Charlotte Concerning Ministry-Related Sexual Misconduct by Church Personnel. Our diocesan policy covers requirements for reporting abuse, screening of clergy, religious, seminarians and lay employees, procedures when allegations are made, education, media and communications, and sanctions for non-compliance. All diocesan personnel who work with children receive a copy of the policy, acknowledge its receipt, and are required to comply with the policy in its entirety.In August 2005, the diocese underwent a self-audit conducted by the Gavin Group, an agency contracted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to ascertain and document the progress made by dioceses in the United States in the implementation of the charter.
The audit measured the diocese in various areas addressed by the charter, in particular Article 12, which states that dioceses must establish safe environment programs, and Article 13, which states that dioceses must evaluate the backgrounds of all priests and deacons who are engaged in ecclesiastical ministry in the diocese, and of all diocesan, parish and school employees and volunteers whose duties include ongoing, unsupervised contact with minors. At the conclusion of the compliance audit, the Diocese of Charlotte was found to be compliant with all articles of the charter.
The Diocese of Charlotte’s commitment to being one in faith with Christ is evident in our efforts to protect our children from sexual abuse. The “Protecting God’s Children” training program enables the diocese to educate those who work most closely with children to recognize and prevent sexual abuse. To date, approximately 13,000 employees and volunteers have attended this training, at nearly 400 workshops held throughout the diocese. During this past fiscal year, approximately 2,300 diocesan personnel attended these training sessions.
The diocese also recognizes its responsibility to safeguard the young and the vulnerable through adequate screening of clergy, religious, employees and volunteers. In the past year, 4,500 background checks were processed.
Our diocese has an Assistance Coordinator to assist victims of sexual abuse, whether the abuse took place in the Diocese of Charlotte or in another diocese. In 1995, the diocese established a Review Board to serve as a confidential consultative body to the Bishop. The board reviews cases of sexual abuse that are reported to the diocese.
These activities represent a significant commitment by the diocese to provide a safe environment for our children and young people.
Our response as a diocese will always be one of sincere compassion in addressing the personal, psychological and spiritual needs of the people God entrusted to its care. When abusive conduct is reported, in addition to immediate action and investigation into the allegation, an immediate response to the alleged victim and his/her family is undertaken.
Restored trust and healing will come with time, but only if we as adults remain vigilant in our commitment to keeping our children safe from sexual abuse.