ST. PAUL (MN)
KTSP
Updated: 03/30/2006 09:43:03 PM
ST. PAUL (AP) - The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis is among about two dozen dioceses around the county that don't meet church child-protection guidelines, according to a new audit by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The diocese has lagged in offering "safe-environment training" to all children in its parish programs and schools, according to the audit released on Thursday.
Archdiocese officials said they weren't surprised by the findings. While a few pilot programs are in place, more widespread training in the schools and parishes is scheduled to begin this fall.
"We're piloting these programs in about 10 parishes right now," said Sister Fran Donnelly, the archdiocese's parish life director. "We'll have parents' meetings before school starts this fall, and they'll be implemented during the school year of 2006-07.