Sexual
abuse of a minor violates human dignity, ministerial
commitment and the mission of the church. Policies
and procedures designed to provide for the safety
of children, the well being of the community,
and the integrity of the church in the Diocese
of Shreveport include:
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Engaging
the services of a victim’s assistance
coordinator |
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Implementation of a safe environment program
which requires all clergy, employees and all
volunteers who work with children to participate
in Protecting God’s Children™
training |
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Expanded
role of the diocesan Permanent Review Board;
distribution of the Code of Pastoral Conduct
and the Diocese of Shreveport Child Sexual
Abuse Policies to all employees and all volunteers
who work with children. |
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Requirement
of criminal background checks as part of the
application and screening process for employees
and volunteers who work with children. |
What
is “safe environment” training?
Safe environment training, which is required of
all clergy, employees, and volunteers who work
with children, is a comprehensive program to prevent
child sexual abuse in our Catholic churches, schools,
and activities. We have chosen Protecting God’s
Children™ which is a component of the Virtus®
program of National Catholic Services. Through
ongoing training, employees, volunteers, and concerned
adults learn about the nature, extent and impact
of child sexual abuse and the 5 steps necessary
to prevent it:
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Know
the Warning Signs |
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Control
Who has Access to Children |
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Monitor
All Programs |
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Be
Aware of Your Children |
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Communicate
Your Concerns |
How
do I know if the people in my parish or school
have had the training?
You can ask your pastor, school principal, or
the Diocesan Office of Human Resources if someone
is participating in ongoing Protecting God’s
Children training.
What if child sexual
abuse occurs at a parish or Catholic school?
Immediately upon reception of a report of abuse,
persons appointed by the bishop will offer counsel
and assistance to those affected. The Victim Assistance
Minister and the Administrator/Assessor will ensure
that the proper civil authorities have been notified.
At no time will the church interfere in a civil
investigation. The Permanent Review Board,
a group of committed lay professionals, will ensure
that all diocesan
policies regarding care of victims and investigations
are followed.
Where
can I get a copy of the Diocese of Shreveport
Child Sexual Abuse Policies or the Code of Pastoral
Conduct?
You may request a copy from your pastor, Catholic
School principal, or the Catholic Center (318-868-4441
or 800-256-1542).
How
are people approved to work or volunteer in parishes
and schools?
All persons seeking employment or who wish to
volunteer in a parish or school should complete
a diocesan employment or volunteer application
form. They must be interviewed, provide references,
and agree to a criminal background check. Only
after references have been checked and clear background
check results are received may a person begin
service.
What
about priests, brothers, or sisters who come to
our diocese from another diocese or another country?
Before a priest, deacon, or religious can be assigned
for pastoral ministry in this diocese the bishop
must have received from that person’s legitimate
superior or bishop a curriculum vitae, a statement
verifying the cleric is in good standing, that
he has never been found guilty of sexual abuse
of a minor, and in general is of good moral character.
What
about the laws of our state regarding child abuse?
All persons associated with the diocese are expected
to comply with all applicable civil laws with
respect to the prompt reporting of allegations
of sexual abuse of minors to civil authorities,
i.e. local law enforcement agency, and cooperate
in their investigation. In every instance, the
diocese will advise and support a person’s
right to make a report to public authorities.
The diocese will take all appropriate steps to
protect the good name and reputation of all persons
involved in the process.
RESOURCES
AND CONTACT NUMBERS
VICTIM ASSISTANCE MINISTER
Glennda Lawson
(318) 294-1031
ADMINISTRATOR/ASSESSOR
Rev. Peter Mangum
(318) 221-5296
COORDINATOR
FOR SAFE ENVIRONMENT AND EDUCATION
Deacon Michael Straub
(318) 219-7280
Toll Free (800) 256-1542
VICAR
FOR CLERGY
Rev. LaVerne “Pike” Thomas
(318) 746-2508
To
Report Child Sexual Abuse by a Cleric/Church Worker
in the Diocese of Shreveport
Call:
Glennda Lawson
Hotline – (318) 294-1031
and your Local Law Enforcement Agency
Additional Resources:
Diocese
of Shreveport
http://www.dioshpt.org
VIRTUS
http://www.virtus.org
Louisiana
Child Abuse Hotline
1-800-244-5373
Prevent
Child Abuse Louisiana
http://www.pcal.org
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