The Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has released its 2023 annual report.
The report details the work of the Catholic Church in the United States in implementing victim-survivor assistance and child protection policies and programs found within the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The report is based on an annual audit and data collection process carried out by StoneBridge Business Partners and the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA).
“The number of historical allegations from years past significantly decreased this audit year from 2,704 in 2022 to 1,308 in 2023. The number of new allegations from minors remained similar to the prior year, at 17.”… “While the [National Review Board] NRB recognizes the tremendous progress made in creating safe environments in our parishes and schools, the Church must still balance those accomplishments with the ongoing work that continues to be needed to support survivors of abuse from years past. Theirs is a lifelong journey and the mission of the Church is a lifelong commitment to accompany them on this healing journey.”1
I invite you to read and share this important report: https://www.usccb.org/resources/2023%20Annual%20Report.pdf
Additional Child and Youth Protection resources can be found at the following links:
Diocesan website
On Mission to Protect and Heal (Michigan Catholic Conference FOCUS publication)
We are all too aware of the evil of sexual abuse in our society. This year marks the 22nd year since the promulgation of the Charter and the Church remains steadfast in her commitment to create a culture of protection and healing. Thank you for your engagement and pledge to uphold these important policies.
- USCCB, “2023 Annual Report on the Implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People”, National Review Board letter, pg. 8 and 9.