Audit Finds Youngstown Diocese in Compliance with Child Protection Policy

WFMJ
October 13, 2014

http://www.wfmj.com/story/26774173/audit-finds-youngstown-diocese-in-compliance-with-child-protection-policy

The Diocese of Youngstown says it is in compliance with a set of procedures for addressing allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy.

A statement issued on Monday says that an annual audit has concluded that the diocese has procedures in place to conform with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

The Charter was established by the USCCB in June 2002. The Charter includes guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability, and prevention of future acts of abuse.

According to the USCCB, the Charter provides churches with ways of creating a safe environment for children and young people, and sets up rules for making prompt and effective response to allegations.

It also sets guidelines for cooperating with civil authorities and disciplining offenders.

To prepare for the audit, diocesan officials say they compiled documentation including statistics on the number of clergy, employees and volunteers in ministry and on their compliance with the Charter requirements, in particular, safe environment training and background checks.

Auditors conducted interviews with Bishop George Murry and with representatives of the diocesan staff, Review Board, diocesan attorneys, Catholic school principals, pastors and parish catechetical leaders who have responsibility for implementation of the Diocese of Youngstown Child Protection Policy.

The Charter was created in response to allegations of child sexual abuse made against members of the clergy.

A 2002 study conducted by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice found that the percentages of priests accused of child sexual abuse ranged from a maximum of almost 10% in 1970, decreasing to 8% in 1980 and to fewer than 4% in 1990.

For more information about the DOY Child Protection Policy, contact the Administrator of Child Protection, Thomas D. Sauline, tsauline@youngstowndiocese.org, 330-744-8451 extension 300.

To report child abuse or seek victim assistance, call Thomas Sauline at 330-599-4300.