January 28, 2009

Child and Youth Protection Office in compliance with U.S. bishops’ charter

By John Gleason

Recently, the Office for Child and Youth Protection for the Archdiocese of Denver underwent an audit to see if it is in compliance with the U.S. bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.  Director Chris Pond announced the archdiocesan office came through with flying colors.

“This audit occurs annually,” Pond explained, “and takes about a week to complete.  We’re happy with the result.”

In 2002, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops drafted a charter to affirm their commitment to creating a safe environment within the Church for children and youths.  The document says that no priest or deacon can return to any form of ordained ministry if he has ever sexually abused a minor.  It requires the diocese to form a review board to assess any sexual abuse allegations and to appoint an assistance coordinator to aid in the care of anyone who claims to have been abused as a minor by a priest, deacon or other Church worker.

“Our office basically has three functions,” Pond said.  “We establish and maintain a safe environment program for parishioners and employees and children; we assist the Vicar for Clergy in investigating any allegations of sexual abuse within the Archdiocese of Denver and we act as a liaison to the bishops’ conference regarding those issues.”

The charter consists of 17 articles, dealing with such subjects as reaching out to victims, having immediate procedures and assistance programs in place to help those who report abuse and to evaluate backgrounds of all who are engaged in ecclesiastical ministry in the diocese.

“Each article of the charter is audited, and there are often five to 10 items under each article that have to be checked,” he said.  “It takes a full week.  The auditors interviewed myself, Archbishop (Charles) Chaput, the Vicar for Clergy, the Vicar for Priests, and the Superintendent of Catholic Schools, as well as other staff members.  They request to meet with any victims that brought forth allegations in the past year and pour over a large amount of documentation, correspondence, our record keeping, anything that might pertain to the charter.”

The mission statement of the Office of Child and Youth Protection reflects the spirit of the charter.  Pond said that there are many classes offered as part of the Safe Environment Training that are available to adults and children across the archdiocese.

Anyone who works for the Archdiocese of Denver is required to attend one of the sessions free of charge but classes are open to all who wish to attend.  The children’s classes are presented in Catholic schools during regular class time and then presented in religious education classes as well.

“For parents, volunteers and employees it educates our Catholic community in watching for signs of possible abuse as well as helping adults understand how to talk to their children about these issues,” Pond said. “And for the children it focuses on having appropriate relationships with peers and adults and how to talk about situations if they arise. Our Web site has information on the classes in the program.” 

Information on safe environment training sessions can be found online at archden.org; click on the Child and Youth Protection Office link.

Pond said that anyone in authority who suspects there might be a case of abuse should call the police to report the situation (see hotline numbers on this page). They should also contact the Child and Youth Protection Office at 303-715-3226.