January 28, 2005

Peoria Diocese in 'full compliance'

PEORIA (IL)
Journal Star

Friday, January 28, 2005

PEORIA - The Catholic Diocese of Peoria is in "full compliance" with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, according to the results of a recent audit.

That means, spokeswomen Elizabeth Smarjesse said, that the diocese is meeting the standards set by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to protect minors from sexual abuse.

As a result, the diocese won't have to undergo an outside audit in 2005, although it still must conduct a self-audit to document compliance with the charter.

Among other policies, the diocese is required to mandate all employees and volunteers who come in contact with minors take part in safe-environment training, fingerprinting and background checks. It also must provide a reporting process for misconduct and procedures on handling complaints.

Posted by kshaw at January 28, 2005 08:56 AM