HARRISBURG (PA)
Public Opinion
Staff report
HARRISBURG — During the week of Nov. 8 to 12, the Diocese of Harrisburg underwent the second audit of its compliance with the "Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People" since its adoption by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2002.
The Diocese of Harrisburg has again been found in full compliance to the bishops' charter.
During the year between the two audits, approximately 9,000 people have had their criminal background checks reviewed by the diocese. Approximately as many people have viewed the "Youth Protection Program Educational Video," developed through the Youth Protection Council of the Diocese of Harrisburg, which is part of the diocese's "safe environment" educational program.
Last September the Diocese of Harrisburg released its safe environment training program mandated by the U.S. bishops and geared toward students in grades 1 through 8. A total of 13,456 students are served by Catholic schools and 20,150 by parish religious education programs.
Since the 2003 audit, the diocese has received five new allegations of sexual abuse of minors by priests. Three of the allegations were concerning priests who are deceased.
Posted by kshaw at March 18, 2005 07:38 AM