Bishop: Child Safety Crucial

The Observer
August 22, 2014

http://observer.rockforddiocese.org/article?id=471

Duane Meighan, an eighth-grader at St. Thomas More School in Elgin, tries out his locker combination, Aug. 19. He and other students in diocesan schools are returning to classes this week, accompanied by bags full of new tools, motivation, and at least one tearful parent. (Observer photo by Margarita Mendoza)

Bishop David Malloy has asked all parishes to read a letter this weekend.

“I take this opportunity,” he says in the letter, “to renew publicly the commitment of the Diocese of Rockford, our priests, our staff and especially our schools and educational and youth programs to the safety and wellbeing of our young people.”

The Diocese of Rockford has taken several steps to help assure the safety of young people in parish and school programs. That includes safe environment training for youths from pre-kindergarten through high school, all geared for specific age groups.

Adults, whether employees or volunteers, are screened and required to take specialized training. That Virtus training program is available both through class instruction and online. The program raises awareness of the issue of child sexual abuse, what to watch for and what to do if abuse is suspected.

In each issue of The Observer, the diocesan hotline to report suspected abuse is published. It is also published in each issue of El Observador, the diocese’s monthly Spanish-language paper.

Since 2002, the Diocese of Rockford has been audited annually by an outside agency contracted by the Bishops’ Conference, and each year it has been found to be in compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People program.

Additionally, Diocesan Review Board of laity and priests meets regularly. It advises Bishop Malloy about any concerns and about how to maintain the commitment to implement the Charter.

More information is available on the Diocese of Rockford website: www.rockforddiocese.org