SAFE ENVIRONMENT
HOW TO REPORT A CASE
USCCB - CHILD AND YOUTH PROTECTION
The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People is a comprehensive set of procedures established by the USCCB 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 directs 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.
Province of St. Mary Policy for Responding To Allegations of Sexual and Criminal Abuse of Minors
The Capuchin Friars of The Province of St. Mary (“the Province”) know of the profound suffering and harm which incidents of sexual abuse of minors by some priests and members of religious orders have caused innocent people and the Church community at large. As brothers to all and as ministers within the Church, we must work to ensure the safety of all the people we serve, especially the safety of minors.
Praesidium’s Safety Equation ® identifies eight organizational operations that provide opportunities to decrease the risk of abuse by employees, volunteers, or other program participants. Using current research and root cause analyses of thousands of cases of abuse, Praesidium has identified best practices in each operation and created products and services that help organizations implement these practices.
The Provincial Council offers its congratulations to all the members of the Province of St. Mary on being awarded Praesidium’s Certificate of Accreditation after having been independently assessed and judged to have met the highest standards in sexual abuse prevention.
We are grateful for the work and dedication of the entire province in accomplishing this achievement.
CHILD PROTECTION ACTIONS
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Visits by Provincial Minister
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Letters of Suitability
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Letters to Supervisors
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Additional Actions
“The abuse of a minor by a friar is contrary to our vowed life and our profession to live the Gospel. The Province will not tolerate or excuse the abuse, including sexual abuse, of a minor by a friar of the Province”
- Province of St. Mary Policy Handbook, Section 22