April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Catholic Church is absolutely committed to the safety of children by creating the Charter to protect children and young people. The United States bishops have made a promise to protect and a pledge to heal. We work to heal and reconcile, guarantee effective responses to allegations, ensure accountability of procedures, and call for complete transparency. Over 4.5 million children and ninety-eight percent of people who work with children have been trained to identify and prevent abuse through safe environment policies. We have administered over 2 million background checks. We are making the Catholic Church one of the safest institutions in the country. This April, together, we can make a promise to protect and a pledge to heal. Develop loving and appropriate relationships with your children, teach your children’s safety, know who has access to your children, learn the warning signs of abuse, trust your instincts. For more information about our efforts against child abuse and to learn how you can help, speak with your local safe environment coordinator and visit our website at USCCB.org.
Source:
- YouTube: April Is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
- March 24, 2014
Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church 