Audit finds diocese in compliance with protection charter

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PROVIDENCE — The Diocese of Providence has been found compliant with all audited articles within the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People for the 2018/2019 audit period. The conclusions reached as to the compliance of the diocese during the audit were based upon inquiry, observation and the review of specifically requested documentation furnished to Stonebridge Business Partners, of Rochester, New York.

“We are very pleased with the results of the on-site audit which demonstrates that the Diocese of Providence is in full compliance with the mandates established by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young people,” said Kevin M. O’Brien, director of the Office of Compliance. “The charter tasks us with providing a consistent, ongoing and comprehensive approach to creating a safe environment for young people in the diocese.”

O’Brien said that the audit involved a thorough review of all required data collected regarding safe environment training programs, background checks for clergy, candidates for ordination, educators, employees and volunteers, as well as interviews with the bishop, vicar general, chancellor, seminary rector as well as several lay department directors and members of the Bishop’s Advisory Board for the Protection of Children and Youth.

He said the audit further entailed a review to insure that all allegations of the sexual abuse of minors had been properly documented, investigated and reported to civil authorities and that assistance with therapy and healing had been offered through the office of outreach and prevention.