The Catholic Church is committed to protecting children and adults from harm through its safe environment program. The aims of this program are to prevent sexual abuse within our community and help heal the wounds of victim-survivors. This year's focus is Doing Things Differently: Moving from the Challenge to the Change
As we continue our commitment to ensuring the safety of children and preventing abuse, we give thanks for the many members of our community who join in the mission to stop abuse and create positive, healthy environments for all children.
National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April is dedicated to raising awareness about child abuse and working together in our communities to bring an end to child abuse and neglect and create caring, supportive environments and experiences for children.
Dear Parents and Caregivers of Children and Youth,
The abuse of a child is a tragedy that cries out to heaven. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness and preventing child abuse. We all have a role in ensuring safe, stable, and nurturing environments for children and young people.
In the midst of the COVID pandemic, fewer mistreated children visit emergency rooms.1 Yet, the children's injuries are more severe than in the past. One reason for decreased emergency room visits is that children's access to mandated reporters [such as teachers] and other trusted adults [such as catechists] decreased. Children were brought to medical professionals much later than in the past, almost as a last resort.
See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father. Matthew10:18
Child abuse and neglect are always tragic and often hidden. Families have experienced isolation, increased stress, and financial challenges, which threaten child safety. Add to this unsupervised children, transient caregivers, online child sexual exploitation and bullying, cancelled school lunch programs, mental health issues in the home, and countless other factors which endanger children. This is a time for us all to recommit our efforts to protect children.
In recent years, the Diocese of Saginaw has provided Safe Environment education in the Catholic schools and religious education programs. This year, I am sharing resources with all families of youth, inviting you to educate your own children and to learn the warning signs of abuse.
The Knights of Columbus have graciously provided free access to the Protecting Our Children: Guide for Families,2 enclosed with this letter.(link below) Please take the time to review the Guide, talk with your family, report to law enforcement if you suspect abuse or neglect, pray for each child' s protection, and consider how you may strengthen your own or another family to foster the great childhood all children deserve.
Sincerely in the peace and joy of Christ,
Most Reverend Robert D. Gruss Bishop of Saginaw
1Trends in U.S. Emergency Department Visits Related to Suspected or Confirmed Child Abuse and Neglect Among Children and Adolescents Aged <18 Years Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic - United States, January 2019-September 2020, December 11, 2020, found at: https://www.cdc.uov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6949al.htm.
2Additional Knights of Columbus resources include videos, such as Responding to Boundary Violations and Protecting Your Marriage: https://www.kofc.org/en/safe-environment-program/index.html
In the Diocese of Saginaw, we are committed to protecting children and adults from harm. Our work with young people and vulnerable adults is directed by the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, a comprehensive set of procedures established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in June 2002 and revised in 2005, 2011 and 2018.
The Charter directs action for:
- Creating a safe environment for children and young people;
- Healing and reconciliation of victims and survivors;
- Responding promptly and effectively to allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy;
- Cooperating with civil authorities;
- Disciplining offenders;
- Providing means of accountability for the future to ensure issues continue to be effectively dealt with through the Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection and the National Review Board.
Sharing about Child Abuse Prevention Month on social? Use #PromisetoProtect