Child and Youth Protection

We must show God's love and mercy while continuing to seek forgiveness for the Church’s failings and healing for those who were hurt by them. We must also continue to make every possible effort to prevent future transgressions.

† Luis Rafael Zarama, J.C.L., Bishop of Raleigh

In 2002, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) met and agreed to a series of new rules and developed a set of guidelines for each diocese in the United States.  The resulting Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (the Charter) calls on parishes to complete an annual report detailing efforts to screen those who work with children and youth and to provide training on recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect. 

Guided by the Charter, and under the leadership of Bishop Luis Zarama, the Diocese of Raleigh Office of Child and Youth Protection:

• Assists those seeking healing from abuse and works to ensure that child abuse is reported promptly to law enforcement. 
• Conducts criminal background checks for clergy, seminarians, all employees, and volunteers leading ministry with children. 
• Facilitates a safe environment program for clergy,  staff, and volunteers to be trained in recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect.
• Provides annual training updates to help personnel know the proper protocols if they believe abuse or misconduct has occurred.
• Provides educational materials for families, educators, and parents.
• Maintains the Diocese of Raleigh Review Board, which ensures that all allegations of the sexual abuse of a minor are reported to law enforcement and that all who come forward to report abuse are offered both assistance toward healing and a meeting with the Bishop.
• Maintains the Code of Conduct for Church Personnel of the Diocese of Raleigh (PDF). All personnel, all who work and “represent the Church by virtue of office, designated position, employment, or contract,” share high expectations for conduct and respect for those entrusted to our care.
• Supports a network of local safe environment teams across the diocese to help local parishes and ministries remain diligent in our efforts to be a safe and sacred place for children to grow in age, wisdom, and faith.

For more information, you may also contact the Diocese of Raleigh Office of Child and Youth Protection at 1-866-535-7233.