Following the 2002 revelation of child sexual abuse in the Church, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops developed the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, a comprehensive set of procedures for addressing allegations of sexual abuse 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. You are invited and encouraged to read the Charter at the link below.

• Read the Charter

The archdiocese’s Safe Environment Program requires all clergy and adult employees and volunteers who work with or near minors and/or vulnerable adults to attend a Protecting God’s Children workshop and complete online training updates every three years; read and sign the archdiocese’s Code of Ethical Conduct for Clergy, Employees, and Volunteers Working in Ministry; and complete a national criminal record check and agree to regular screening updates.  The Protecting God’s Children program, developed by VIRTUS^® and used by dioceses throughout the country, educates participants to identify the signs of child sexual abuse, understand the methods and means by which offenders commit abuse, and be aware of the steps that can be taken to prevent ongoing or future abuse.

• Read more about the Promise to Protect here