PROTECTING
OUR CHILDREN
UNDERSTANDING AND PREVENTING
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
________________
DIOCESE OF
Sexual abuse of a minor violates human dignity,
ministerial commitment and the mission of the church. Policies and procedures designed
to provide for the safety of children, the well being of the community, and the
integrity of the church in the diocese of
What is “safe environment” training?
Safe environment raining, which is required of all clergy,
employees, and volunteers who work with children, is a comprehensive program to
prevent child sexual abuse in our Catholic churches, schools, and
activities. We have chosen Protecting
God’s Children which is a component of the Virtus©
program of National Catholic Services.
Through ongoing training, employees, volunteers, and concerned adults
learn about the nature, extent and impact of child sexual abuse and the 5 steps
necessary to prevent it:
How
do I know if the people in my parish or school have had the training?
You can ask your pastor, school principal, or the Diocesan
Office of Personnel if someone is participating in ongoing Protecting God’s
Children training.
What if child sexual abuse occurs at a parish or Catholic
school?
Immediately upon reception of a report of abuse, persons
appointed by the bishop will offer counsel and assistance to those
affected. The Victim Assistance Minister
and the Administrator/Assessor will ensure that the proper civil authorities
have been notified. At no
time will the church interfere in a civil investigation. The Permanent Review Board, a group of
committed lay professionals, will ensure that all diocesan policies regarding
care of victims and investigations are followed.
Where
can I get a copy of the Diocese of
You may request a copy from your pastor,
How are people approved to work or volunteer in parishes
and schools?
All persons seeking employment or who wish to volunteer in
a parish or school should complete a diocesan employment or volunteer
application form. They must be
interviewed, provide references, and agree to a criminal background check
results are received may a person begin service.
What
about priests, brothers, or sisters who come to our diocese from another
diocese or another county?
Before a priest, deacon, or religious can be assigned for
pastoral ministry in this diocese the bishop must have received from that
person’s legitimate superior or bishop a curriculum vitae, a statement
verifying the cleric is in good standing, that he has never been found guilty
of sexual abuse of a minor, and in general is of good moral character.
What about the laws of our state regarding child abuse?
All persons associated with the diocese are expected to
comply with all applicable civil laws with respect to the prompt reporting of
allegations of sexual abuse of minors to civil authorities, i.e. local law
enforcement agency, and cooperate in their investigation. In every instance, the diocese will advise
and support a person’s right to make a report to public authorities. The diocese will take all appropriate steps
to protect the good name and reputation of all persons involved in the process.
Ms. Mary Girard
(318)449-8571
Reverend Scott Chemino
(318)352-3422
Mr. Sam Brocato
(318)445-2401 Ext. 206
Reverend Craig Scott
(318)445-7141 Ext. 12
IN THE DIOCESE OF
CALL: MARY
GIRARD
HOTLINE – (318)445-1427
AND YOUR LOCAL LAW
ENFORCEMENT AGENCY
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
DIOCESE OF
1-800-244-5373
PREVENT CHILD ABUSE
WWW.PCAL.ORG