Protecting Our Children

Safeguard the Children Program

In 2005 the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. That document listed seventeen areas in which the Bishops mandated all Dioceses, parishes, schools, and institutions to focus in protecting our children. Each parish is mandated to have a Safeguard the Children Committee at which Parish Youth Leaders (School Principal, Youth Minister, Religious Education Coordinators), Parish Staff (Pastor and designee), and parent representative direct the program. One of the primary purposes of the program is communication of the program to the parish. This is done through oral presentations at the end of Mass or before groups, information in the Parish Bulletin, special release pamphlets, and the website. To obtain copies of the Charter or to find out what the Bishops are doing in this area, go to US Conference of Catholic Bishops website.

Saint Raphael Catholic Church: Our Parish Safeguard the Children Program

The Saint Raphael's Parish Safeguard the Children Program is chaired by Mrs. Lupe Luna Martinez, a teacher in the Religious Education program, a parent and a professional in the area of child abuse. The Committee arranges for presentation of the appropriate training classes to adult volunteers with youth and to the students in these programs. The Committee ensures that adult volunteers are fingerprinted and that their names do not appear on Megan's List. Other activities of the Committee center around communicating the goals of Safeguard the Children and ensuring that the Parish is in compliance with all programs.  

Los Angeles Archidocese

"Sexual misconduct by clergy, church personnel, church leaders and volunteers is contrary to Christian morals, doctrine and canon law. It is never acceptable."

--Cardinal Roger Mahony, Archbishop of Los Angeles

The Archdiocesan website has devoted significant space to promoting the programs of the Archdiocese in this area. For more information about Safeguard the Children visit the Archdiocesan website.

More Resources

Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, US Conference of Catholic Bishops - English - Spanish

I Will Appoint Over You Shepherds After My Own Heart , Pastoral Statement by Roger Cardinal Mahony - English - Spanish