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. Here are ten things to know about the Archdiocese’s child protection policy.
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 of Child and Youth Protection & Safe Environment to learn more.