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 2007; the diocese was also found in compliance during that audit.

“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.

Sister Rita McGinnis, chancery services director, praised the parishes, missions, and schools for their continued dedication and commitment to training both youth and adults in safe environment practices.

Bishop Thomas expressed his gratitude to all those who had contributed to the diocese’s compliant status.

More information about the diocese’s safe environment program can be found at www.diocesehelena.org/smp.


Published in The Montana Catholic Online, Volume 24, No. 10, October 17, 2008.