The Portland Archdiocese is in compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People
The Archdiocese of Portland was found to be compliant with The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in 2008 after submitting information for the data collection audit. The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People was adopted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in June 2002, and revised and renewed in June 2005. It provides policies and procedures for the protection of children. The notification of compliancy was sent in a letter to Archbishop John G. Vlazny from The Gavin Group, Inc., an independent group of auditors.
In October 2008, the Archdiocese submitted data related to the background checks and training of clergy, employees, volunteers, parents and the training of children for the data collection audit. The policies and child protection practices of Archdiocese received full on-site audits by The Gavin Group in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2007. The Archdiocese has been found to be in compliance at each audit.
In August 2007, the Archdiocese began a new prevention program to train all clergy, employees, volunteers who work with minors, parent and adult family members, and children/youth. The Called to Protect Program by Praesidium Inc. teaches adults about warning signs of possible sexual abuse or boundary violations with minors and how to respond to warning signs. Church and school personnel are also trained in essential components to create a safe environment for minors, and to recognize when violations of the safety measures occur so that a correction can be made. Children and youth learn about personal boundaries, and what to do when someone violates their boundaries. They learn who the people are in their lives they can go to for help.
Currently the Archdiocese has a team of nearly 350 trainers conducting these presentations in parishes and schools. Trainers are required to attend a 2-day intense training and annual updates to facilitate these presentations. Over eight thousand adults have attended training. Several thousand children and teens receive education in personal safety annually.
The Child Abuse Policy of the Archdiocese is available on the web site: www.archdpdx.org/cpo.
### For more information go to Portland Archdiocese
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