LAKE CHARLES -- Earlier in November, the Diocese of Lake Charles was audited for its compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Bishop Glen John Provost has announced “that this most favorable audit report from Stonebridge states that the Diocese of Lake Charles is in compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and is a further testimony to our continuing efforts to insure the safety of our children and youth.”
The on-site audit performed here in the Diocese by Stonebridge Business Partners was for the 2017-2018 audit period.
The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People is a comprehensive set of procedures originally established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in June 2002 for addressing allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy. The Charter also includes guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability, and prevention of future acts of abuse. It was revised in 2005, 2011, and 2018.
The following are measures required by the Charter and in which the Diocese of Lake Charles is fully compliant:
- Creating a safe environment for children and young people;
- Healing and reconciliation of victims and survivors;
- Making prompt and effective response to allegations;
- Cooperating with civil authorities;
- Disciplining offenders;
- Providing for means of accountability for the future to ensure the problem continues to be effectively dealt with through the Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection and the National Review Board.
