Safe Environment
Through training, background checks, and communications through our diocese we can help protect those we hold most precious, our young people. It was through the 17 articles in the “Charter For the Protection of Youth and Young People” established by the USCCB which came into being over 20 years ago to help protect all those who can be most vulnerable, we have direction and instruction on doing this very thing. For all those who contribute to their parish collections, the Diocesan Stewardship Appeal as well as those who serve and volunteer with safe environment thank you for assisting in protecting our young people.
The Diocese of Shreveport Maintains Safe Environment Compliance
The Diocese is in full compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The Charter was developed by an Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual Abuse of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). It was approved by the full body of U.S. Catholic Bishops in June 2002 and published in July 2002 then a revision which was completed in 2005, 2012 and 2019. The Diocese of Shreveport’s Diocesan Policy Concerning Sexual Abuse of Minors by Clerics, Employees or Commissioned Volunteers has also been revised as of June 2012 and can be found on this website.
A national audit firm has been contracted to conduct audits at all dioceses/eparchies nationwide. Auditors could spend several days in the Diocese of Shreveport interviewing various people and reviewing policies and records. They also will be visiting a handful of parishes for further evaluation.
Audit results can include instructions, which are items that must be brought into compliance or recommendations, which are items that are suggestions for improving the program. Our audit could result in instructions and/or recommendations that would be quickly implemented.
We are proud of the fact that we are in compliance with the Charter but also we want to keep in the forefront of our minds that the goal of the Charter and our compliance with each of the articles contained therein is to prevent child sexual abuse. Please help keep the awareness alive. Thank you to everyone who has attended our Protecting God’s Children sessions, complied with the background check processes, and participate in our online continuing education with Virtus© as part of our compliance efforts.
May God continue to bless our efforts, for no matter how young or old we are the church.
Deacon Michael Straub
Chancellor for Personnel and Administration
318-868-4441 ex. 280