INITIATIVE

Youth Protection

PREVENTION AND HEALING

Ensuring the safety of young people and providing compassionate care for survivors.

These principles guide the child protection programs for the Catholic(arch)dioceses serving Maryland.

Commitment and Accountability

The Archdiocese of Baltimore, Archdiocese of Washington and Diocese of Wilmington have

 

  • Written policies that follow national standards and meet or exceed state requirements
  • Professional staff dedicated to youth protection
  • Review boards of expert advisors
  • Annual compliance audits.

Prevention and Healing in Maryland

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PREVENTION
  • Background checks, training and mandated reporting for clergy, teachers, employees, volunteers and seminarians
  • Background checks, psychological evaluations and multi-year formation for applicants to priesthood
  • Safe environment education for children and adults
OUTREACH AND SUPPORT FOR SURVIVORS
  • Support, such as payment for counseling for survivors and family members; an apology; and outreach that includes pastoral care, retreats and otherresources
  • Financial support for survivors
ACCOUNTABILITY
  • Written policies covering bishops, clergy, lay people
  • Zero tolerance for abuse
  • Immediate reporting to and cooperation with civil authorities
  • Permanent removal from ministry of credibly accused – even if there is nocriminal prosecution
  • Names published of credibly accused clergy
  • Independent Review Boards of child protection experts
  • Annual independent compliance audits plus parish/school compliance audits

(Arch)dioceses

Archdiocese of Baltimore

Office of Child and Youth Protection
410-547-5348

Archdiocese of Washington

Office of Child and Youth Protection and Safe Environment
301-853-5328

Diocese of Wilmington

Office of Safe Environment
302-295-0668