Youth Protection

Youth Protection

PREVENTION AND HEALING

Ensuring the safety of young people and providing compassionate care for survivors.

These principles guide the child protection programs for the Catholic(arch)dioceses serving Maryland.

The Archdiocese of Baltimore, Archdiocese of Washington and Diocese of Wilmington have

Written policies that follow national standards and meet or exceed state requirements
Professional staff dedicated to youth protection
Review boards of expert advisors
Annual compliance audits.

Background checks, training and mandated reporting for clergy, teachers, employees, volunteers and seminarians
Background checks, psychological evaluations and multi-year formation for applicants to priesthood
Safe environment education for children and adults

Support, such as payment for counseling for survivors and family members; an apology; and outreach that includes pastoral care, retreats and otherresources
Financial support for survivors

Written policies covering bishops, clergy, lay people
Zero tolerance for abuse
Immediate reporting to and cooperation with civil authorities
Permanent removal from ministry of credibly accused – even if there is nocriminal prosecution
Names published of credibly accused clergy
Independent Review Boards of child protection experts
Annual independent compliance audits plus parish/school compliance audits

Archdiocese of Baltimore

Office of Child and Youth Protection
410-547-5348

Archdiocese of Washington

Diocese of Wilmington

Office of Safe Environment
302-295-0668