The Diocese of Saginaw is committed to complying with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2002. The Charter contains a comprehensive set of procedures for addressing allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy. Also included are guidelines for reconciliation, healing, and accountability.
Through ongoing education, we strive to educate the people in ways to create and maintain safe environments for our children and youth.
Click here for the Policy for the PROTECTION of CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE, & VULNERABLE ADULTS (effective 1-1-2023)
Based on The Charter, the Diocese of Saginaw Safe Environment program has 3 essential components:
- Screening & Code of Conduct, which work toward prevention of child sexual abuse. These measures include criminal background checks for all employees and for all church volunteers who have contact with minors. The Code of Conduct describes appropriate boundaries for clergy, all employees of the Diocese, and all church volunteers who have contact with minors.
- Safe Environment Training, which is comprised of measures which help individuals recognize and prevent abuse by teaching the signs of possible abuse and the diocesan safe environment policies. Training sessions for adults are offered throughout the Diocese and are open to all who wish to receive the training. Our schools and religious education programs have programs for minors and their caregivers.
- Outreach & Victim Assistance, which occur when allegations of child sexual abuse by clergy are received. The Policy for the Protection of Children, Young People, & Vulnerable Adults in the Diocese of Saginaw provides information from the time of receiving an allegation to notification of the appropriate individuals, and the involvement of the Review Board. Also, this Policy summarizes the role of the Victim Assistance Coordinator who, through Catholic Family Service, a separately incorporated professional care provider, assists and advocates for victims of sexual abuse by clergy.
The Diocesan Review Board advises the Bishop on specific cases of abuse and on policies to promote a safe environment for children, recommending modifications as appropriate.
The Diocese of Saginaw child and youth educational program is the Archdiocese of Omaha's program, Circle of Grace.
Our educational program for adults is VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children for Adults.
Supplemental material regarding this topic and be found at links below.
We hope you will find this webpage helpful and informative.