Independent audit finds Diocese of Sacramento in compliance with Charter for Protection of Children and Young People
The Diocese of Sacramento has once again been found to be in complete compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the comprehensive action plan adopted by the U.S. bishops in 2002 to effectively deal with the sexual abuse of minors by members of the clergy and other church personnel.
The findings are a result of an on-site review of data collected for the 2014-2015 Charter audit period by StoneBridge Business Partners, an independent firm hired by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Compliance for the diocese was based upon inquiry, observation, and the review of specifically requested documentation furnished to StoneBridge Business Partners during the course of the audit. The Diocese of Sacramento has been found to be in compliance in all audits including its first audit in 2004.
The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People was originally implemented by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in 2002 and most recently revised in 2011. It addresses outreach to victims or survivors, the appropriate response to allegations of sexual abuse of minors, training and evaluation of adults and accountability of all dioceses throughout the United States.
"The 2015 on-site audit was more thorough and extensive than other recent audits," said Katita Schloemann, Safe Environment Coordinator for the Diocese of Sacramento. "The auditors examined documents, conducted interviews with diocesan, parish and school officials, and reviewed evidence of our compliance with the letter and spirit of the Charter."
"We are pleased with the audit report," said Bishop Jaime Soto. "We welcome these independent audits because they are a reminder to us that we have to keep vigilant to continue to protect our precious children and young people, and to assure that the mistakes and crimes of the past are never again repeated.
"We remain committed to the principles of the Charter and we ask for your continued help, support and prayers as we promote healing and reconciliation with victims/survivors of sexual abuse, respond effectively to allegations of sexual abuse, become accountable for our procedures, and protect the faithful in the future."
Schloemann released the following facts and figures regarding the 2014-2015 audit:
Number of youth who received safe environment training (trained in "Circle of Grace" program: 31,360.
Number of adults (priests, deacons, employees and volunteers) trained in "Shield the Vulnerable," the diocese's online child abuse recognition and reporting program: 13,101.
Number of adults (priests, deacons, employees and volunteers) working with children who completed a criminal background check: 13,183.
Employees of the Diocese of Sacramento and parish and school volunteers working with children are required to complete Shield the Vulnerable safe environment training once every three years.
The Diocese of Sacramento uses the safe environment curriculum for youth called Circle of Grace. Article 12 of the Charter outlines that dioceses must have education and training for adults and youth about ways to make and maintain a safe environment for children. Circle of Grace, developed by the Archdiocese of Omaha in response to Article 12, serves the dual purpose of educating and informing youth about the value of positive relationships with God and others. Children and youth are taught to identify and maintain appropriate physical, emotional and spiritual boundaries; recognize when boundary violations are about to occur; and demonstrate how to take action when boundaries are threatened or violated.
Read more at http://www.diocese-sacramento.org/family_youth_young_adult/protecting_our_children.html