Diocese compliant with Charter

Diocese is compliant with Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People

In 2003, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops adopted the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, which developed a series of practical and pastoral steps to be taken in prevention of abuse of minors. These steps include development of procedures suitable for assisting with the healing and reconciliation of the victims of such abuse, to guarantee an effective response to allegations of sexual abuse of minors, to ensure the accountability of our procedures and to protect the faithful in the future.

To ensure compliance with the Charter, each diocese/eparchy must complete an annual audit instrument and is subject to an on-site audit every three years.

The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux’s last on-site audit was in August of this year and the diocese was once again found to be compliant with the Charter.

The following letter was sent to Very Rev. Patrick J. (P.J.) Madden, administrator of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux.

“Based on the results of our recently performed on-site audit of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, the diocese has been found compliant with all audited Articles within the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People for the audit period of July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2022.

“The conclusions reached as to the compliance of the diocese are based upon inquiry, observation, and the review of specifically requested documentation furnished to StoneBridge Business Partners of Rochester, New York during the course of this audit.”

“The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is committed to protecting its children from abuse and will continue to screen adults working with children; to develop and provide Safe Environment training for both adults and children; and to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Charter,” says Very Rev. Patrick J. (P.J.) Madden. BC