Diocese found in compliance with Charter

By Renée St. Martin Wizeman

Bishop George Leo Thomas recently announced that the Diocese of Helena has been found in compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
A full audit – including review of diocesan and parish procedures – was conducted in September by The Gavin Group. The last full audit was conducted in 2005.
“The conclusions reached as to the compliance of your Diocese with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People are based on the completeness and accuracy of the information furnished by the Diocese to The Gavin Group, Inc. during the course of this audit,” William A. Gavin wrote in his letter to Bishop Thomas.
The procedures in place include training and screening of adult volunteers and employees, as well as training for the children and young people of the diocese, both in parish religious education programs and the Catholic schools.
The training and screening requirements are part of a larger picture that is building a culture of care and protection for our young people, said Sister Rita McGinnis, chancery services director.
“It is hoped that through the elements of the diocesan plan that our youth will be safer in any venue and that the Catholic community will be more aware and vigilant so that as a community we can provide safe environments for those in their formative years,” she said.
Bishop Thomas indicated his gratitude for all those who had contributed to the diocese’s compliant status.
“I would like to thank all those whose diligent efforts in this labor intensive process have resulted in an enormous investment in the well-being of the children and the youth of our diocese. Our pastors, principals, directors of religious education, teachers, volunteers and staff on every level have been at the forefront of this endeavor,” he said.
More information about the diocese’s safe environment program can be found at www.diocesehelena.org/smp.

Published in The Montana Catholic, Vol. 23, No. 10, October 19, 2007.