In 2002, the bishops of the United States issued the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (charter). The charter addressed the Church’s commitment to respond effectively, appropriately and compassionately to cases of abuse of minors by priests, deacons or other church personnel.

On July 1, 2003, the diocese issued the revised Policy of the Diocese of Charlotte Concerning Ministry-Related Sexual Misconduct by Church Personnel. Our diocesan policy covers requirements for reporting abuse; screening of clergy, religious, seminarians and lay employees; procedures when allegations are made; education, media and communications; and sanctions for non-compliance. All diocesan personnel who work with children receive a copy of the policy, acknowledge its receipt, and are required to comply with the policy in its entirety.

In August 2007, the Diocese of Charlotte underwent an audit conducted by the Gavin Group, an agency contracted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to ascertain and document the progress made by dioceses in the United States in the implementation of the charter. This audit covered the period of August 2005 through June 2007. At the conclusion of the compliance audit, the Diocese of Charlotte was found to be compliant with all articles of the charter.

Researchers have reported that there is no reliable way to predict in advance who might abuse a child. Therefore, the best preventive measures available to us are effective policies that check the backgrounds of caregivers, direct how care of children is to be provided and provide education about what abuse is and how it occurs.

The “Protecting God’s Children” training program enables the diocese to educate those who work most closely with children to recognize and prevent sexual abuse. To date, approximately 15,700 employees and volunteers have attended this training, at over 500 workshops held throughout the diocese. During this past fiscal year, approximately 2,600 diocesan personnel attended these training sessions.

The diocese also recognizes its responsibility to safeguard the young and the vulnerable through adequate screening of clergy, religious, employees and volunteers. In the past year, 2,400 background checks were processed.

The diocese has a Victim Assistance Coordinator to assist victims of sexual abuse, whether the abuse took place in the Diocese of Charlotte or in another diocese. In 1995, the diocese established a Review Board to serve as a confidential consultative body to the Bishop. The board reviews cases of sexual abuse that are reported to the diocese.

These activities represent a significant commitment by the diocese tot provide a safe environment for our children and young people. The cost of the various programs and measures outlined herein totaled $63,537 during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007.

Our response as a diocese will always be one of sincere compassion in addressing the personal, psychological and spiritual needs of the people God entrusted to its care. When abusive conduct is reported, in addition to immediate action and investigation into the allegation, an immediate response to the alleged victim and his/her family is undertaken. During this year, the diocese provided financial assistance to, or on behalf of victims, totaling $13,650, all of which was for counseling. As in the past, none of these funds came from the Diocesan Support Appeal or from parish savings.

We trust that the Holy Spirit will guide all of us in our continuing efforts to protect our children from sexual abuse.