National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April is dedicated to raising awareness about child abuse and working together in our communities to bring about an end to child abuse and neglect and create caring, supportive environments and experiences for children.
The Catholic Church is committed to protecting children and adults from harm through its safe environment program. The aims of this program are to prevent sexual abuse within our community and help heal the wounds of victim-survivors.
As we continue our commitment to ensuring the safety of children and preventing abuse, we give thanks for the many members of our community who join in the mission to stop abuse and create positive, healthy environments for all children.
Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People
In the Diocese of Grand Rapids, we are committed to protecting children and adults from harm. Our work with young people and vulnerable adults is directed by the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, a comprehensive set of procedures established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in June 2002 and revised in 2005, 2011 and 2018.
The Charter directs action for:
- Creating a safe environment for children and young people;
- Healing and reconciliation of victims and survivors;
- Responding promptly and effectively to allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy;
- Cooperating with civil authorities;
- Disciplining offenders;
- Providing means of accountability for the future to ensure issues continue to be effectively dealt with through the Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection and the National Review Board.
Sharing about Child Abuse Prevention Month on social? Use #PromisetoProtect
Resources
Learn about Child & Youth Protection in our Diocese: Reporting abuse | Safe environment training | Compliance and audits | Additional resources
Safe environment policies and procedures in the Diocese (English | Español)
Catholics participate in “Healing Our Church” (Fall 2019)
Learn about family support programs available through Catholic Charities West Michigan
From the USCCB:
Abuse Prevention Resources
Protection of Children and Young People: includes information on child abuse prevention, print materials, information about child abuse and human trafficking, and resources from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Prayer for healing of victims of abuse
So there is No Doubt: The Catholic Church’s Solution to End the Abuse of Children
Blue Sunday (Child Abuse Prevention Initiative | Prayer resources)
