Safe Environment Measures Summary

We are committed to the protection of children and young people. We have taken several steps to ensure this goal:

  • We follow the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, sometimes referred to as the “Dallas Charter.” The Dallas Charter is a comprehensive set of procedures originally established by the United States Bishops in June 2002 for addressing allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy. The Charter also includes guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability, and prevention of future acts of abuse. It was revised in 2005, 2011, and 2018.
  • We are contracted with, and certified by, Praesidium, Inc., for mandatory safe environment training. Praesidium is an independent organization that ensures compliance with the highest national standards for protecting children.
  • All priests, brothers, and men in formation must complete annual safe environment training. All prospective members seeking to enter the Province undergo extensive psychological screening.
  • When an allegation is brought to our attention, we immediately report it to law enforcement, the member is removed from active ministry, and an independent investigation is conducted.
  • The Province Review Board (comprised primarily of lay people) examines all available investigative reports and information about any new allegations, and makes recommendations about them.
  • Federal background checks are done on all priests, brothers and men in formation every two years.

The Province Policy on Response to Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors articulates our procedural actions, prevention and treatment measures, along with steps to assist victims. If you or anyone you know has been sexually abused by a Holy Cross religious, we urge you to report such behavior immediately to local law enforcement, and to please contact the U.S. Province through its victim assistance coordinator, Fr. Peter Jarret, CSC, at pjarret@holycrossusa.org or (574) 631-1126. The report will be handled with sensitivity and the strictest confidentiality.