During the month of September 2015, the Catholic Diocese of San Angelo completed an audit of its Safe Environment Programs with auditors from Stonebridge Business Partners of Rochester, New York, an independent firm commissioned by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), to insure compliance with the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
In a letter dated November 25, 2015, Stonebridge Business Partners advised that “the Diocese of San Angelo is in compliance with the data collection requirements for the 2014/2015 Charter audit period.”
The Charter, originally adopted by the USCCB in November 2002, sets forth specific requirements which enable dioceses across the country to establish safe environment programs to protect children and youth from sexual abuse as well as other forms of abuse. During this audit, Diocesan Safe Environment Policies; Safe Environment Programs for church personnel, parents, and children; as well as procedures for assisting victims of sexual abuse were examined.
“As Bishop, I am happy to report that Stonebridge has informed us that, based on the analysis of the audit, the Diocese of San Angelo will continue its status of being in compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People,” said Most Rev. Michael J. Sis, bishop of the diocese. “Since implementation of the Charter, and the first compliance audit in 2003, the diocese has been found to be in full compliance with all articles of the Charter in each audit period. I am pleased with the results of this audit and grateful for the hard work of hundreds of people throughout our diocese in 29 counties — pastors, deacons, women religious, and lay leaders — who provide a safe and sacred environment for all of our children and youth in the many programs and ministries we provide for them. Once again, this audit has given us a great opportunity to step back and see what we have accomplished, and explore areas where we can make adjustments or improvements.”
Since 2002 the Diocese of San Angelo has conducted background checks and Safe Environment Training for over 10,000 individuals who work with children and youth throughout the Diocese. In addition, over 14,000 parents and other interested parties have attended seminars that the diocese has presented on Preventing Child Sexual Abuse.
“The diocese will continue to move forward, continuing efforts, not only to provide a safe environment for our children and youth in our church programs, but also to raise the awareness of child sexual abuse and steps that everyone can take to help protect our children,” Bishop Sis said. “In accord with the Charter, I, along with the other Bishops of the U.S., invite all churches and agencies of society to join hands in efforts to prevent sexual abuse, especially of children.”
For more information, contact Jimmy Patterson, Media Relations Director for the Diocese of San Angelo, at jpatterson@sanangelodiocese.org or 432-889-6640.