Child Protection & Safe Environment
The Archdiocese of Washington is committed to keeping children safe and to bringing healing to those harmed. Here you can learn more about our child protection policy; sign up for background checks and training if you are seeking to work or volunteer with young people in the archdiocese; and if you have been a victim of child sexual abuse and adult abuse, please contact the Office of Child and Youth Protection & Safe Environment at 301-853-5328, so you may receive the assistance you need.
As a part of the Archdiocese’s periodic review and update of policies, a revised child protection policy was released in July 2019.
The introductory video is available above. Watch the entire Focus on the Child | Child Protection Video Series from Archdiocese of Washington on Vimeo.
The archdiocese has had a written Child Protection Policy since 1986. The policy covers reporting, prevention and healing. It mandates reporting to civil authorities; education for children and adults; and background checks for clergy, employees and volunteers who work with minors. Also included is information on assistance for those harmed and what to do if there is an allegation. A Child Protection Advisory Board of predominantly lay experts advises on and monitors compliance with child protection efforts.
- Archdiocese of Washington Child Protection Policy (PDF)
- Code of Conduct
- Reglamento de Protección de Menores (PDF)
- The Office of Child and Youth Protection Continued Initiatives in 2018
Reporting
- Reporting on Child Sexual Abuse
- Reporting Sexual Abuse – Darkness to Light End:Child Sexual Abuse sheet
- View the list of credibly accused clergy
Parent Guides
- Child Protection in the Archdiocese of Washington (PDF)
- Top Safety Tips for Parents (PDF)
- Technology (PDF)
- Relationships (PDF)
- Kid’s Guide to Bullying (PDF)
Volunteer and Employee Information
- Child Protection Training
- Fingerprinting Schedule (PDF)
- Volunteer Application (Application in Spanish)
- Compliance checklist
- Employment Application
Accountability
- Child Protection Advisory Board and Annual Reports
- Case Review Board
- Q&A: When there is an allegation
National Child Protection Efforts and Resources
- Office of Child and Youth Protection (USCCB)
- Annual Report (USCCB)
- Annual Report for 2017-2018
- Magisterial Teachings on the Protection of God’s Children
Bullying Prevention and Response Resources
- Bullying Prevention Curriculums: Free and For Purchase
- General Bullying Information: StopBullying.Gov, GirlsHealth.Gov, and Free App
- Research: Cyberbullying and Electronic Aggression, Prevention of Bullying in Colleges and Universities, Successful Anti-Bullying Program UCLA and Effectiveness of School Based Anti-Bullying Programs
- Creating a safe learning environment: safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/, Steps to Creating a Positive School Culture, Building Positive Staff Culture Takes Work and Bullying Prevention
- School programs to promote a positive and safe environment: For Educators and Creating Radically Compassionate Classrooms
- Peaceful approaches to discipline: Shuberts Classroom, Restorative Justice Resources and CNVC Bookstore
Contact the Office Child and Youth Protection & Safe Environment to learn more.