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	National Audit Shows Catholic Diocese of San Angelo to Be in Full Compliance Roman Catholic Diocese of San Angelo December 2, 2010 http://www.sanangelodiocese.org/ During the month of August 2010, the Catholic Diocese of San Angelo completed an audit of its Safe Environment Programs with auditors of the Gavin Group of Boston, an independent firm commissioned by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB), to insure compliance with the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The Charter, originally adopted by the USCCB in November 2002, sets forth specific requirements which enable dioceses across the country to establish safe environment programs to protect children and youth from sexual abuse. During this audit, Diocesan Safe Environment Policies; Safe Environment Programs for church personnel, parents, and children; as well as procedures for assisting victims of abuse were examined. As Bishop, I am happy to report that the Gavin Group has informed the Diocese that, based on the analysis of the audit results, the Diocese will continue it’s status of being in compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People for 2010. Since implementation of the Charter, the Diocese has undergone six previous annual audits in which we were found to be in full compliance with all articles of the Charter. I am pleased with the results of this audit and grateful for the hard work of so many people throughout our diocese; pastors, deacons, religious, and lay leaders; to provide a safe environment for all of our children and youth in the many programs through which we minister to them. Once again, this audit has given us a great opportunity to step back and see what we have accomplished and explore areas where we can make adjustments or improvements. Since 2002 the Diocese of San Angelo has conducted background checks and provided Safe Environment Training for almost 6,000 individuals who work with children and youth throughout the Diocese. In addition, over 13,000 parents and other interested parties have attended seminars that the Diocese has presented on Preventing Child Sexual Abuse. We will continue to move forward, continuing our efforts, not only to provide a safe environment for our children and youth in our church programs, but to raise the awareness of child sexual abuse and steps that everyone can take to help protect our children.
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