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Charter for the Protection of Children - US Council of Catholic Bishops The US Council of Catholic Bishops have published the charter Pledge to Protect, Promise to Heal The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People is a comprehensive set of procedures established by the USCCB in June 2002 for addressing allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy. The Charter also includes guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability, and prevention of future acts of abuse. The Charter can be read here Archdiocese of Portland - Office of Child Protection and Victim's Assistance Cathy Shannon: Director, cshannon ( at ) archdpdx.org Office of Child Protection/Victim Assistance Archdiocese Child Abuse Policy Background Check Before a volunteer can work with children, we will perform a criminal background check. Background check form. Called to Protect We offer Called to Protect Safe Environment Training a couple of times during the year. Usually once in the fall at the beginning of our Faith Formation calendar and again in January. For additional times, check the Archdiocese schedule. Ongoing On-line training Once a volunteer who works with children has successfully completed a background check and Called to Protect, on-going online training is required. To access annual online training - Armatus Additional Information on Sex Abuse Jesuit Magazine America blog on what the Church in USA has learned from this Psychology Today blog on “Six important points you don't hear about regarding clergy sexual abuse in the Catholic Church” NY Times column by John Allen (objective reporter on church issues) comments on Pope Benedict’s response to these issues. Provides a fair and balanced view which, like most important things, is not black and white. Where the Pope is seen as part of the problem, he has also been at the forefront of making the necessary changes to deal with the abusive priests directly. Contacts Bridget Becker, Director of Faith Formation and Safe Environment Coordinator: bbecker (at) stjuandiego.org |