Archdiocese of Omaha in compliance with child protection policies
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
38,623 children, clergy, educators and volunteers receive training
March 24, 2021 (OMAHA, NE)—An on-site audit of the Archdiocese of Omaha’s child protection policies and procedures showed it was in compliance with the U.S. bishops’ 2002 Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People for the 17th consecutive year.
StoneBridge Business Partners, an independent auditing firm retained by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, recently reviewed records and interviewed archdiocesan personnel, a number of clergy and employees at parishes and schools, and members of a review board that advises Archbishop George Lucas on handling allegations of child sexual abuse.
The audit looked at the reporting of and response to allegations of sexual abuse, efforts to promote healing and reconciliation with survivors and others harmed by clergy and sexual abuse, and the background checks for priests, deacons, educators, volunteers and other personnel. The audit also looked at efforts to conduct safe environment training for children and adults who work with children.
The archdiocese developed its own safe environment training curriculum, and it is being used in 55 dioceses across the country.
Last year in the archdiocese, 25,365 children received safe environment training. And 13,258 archdiocesan clergy, employees and volunteers who work with children and parents received background checks and safe environment training and resources.
To learn more about the archdiocese’s safe environment policies and programs, or to report an allegation of sexual abuse by a church official, contact Mary Beth Hanus, director of victim outreach and prevention at 402-827-3798.
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