The Diocese of Norwich has been found to be in compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People is a comprehensive set of procedures originally established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in June of 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.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops requires an annual audit of every diocese to measure compliance with the articles of the Charter. An onsite audit occurs every three years. An onsite audit was conducted in the Diocese of Norwich from July 10 – 11, 2023, by the independent firm StoneBridge Business Partners of Rochester, New York. The audit covered the period of July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2023.
The onsite audit consists of reviewing data and procedures for safeguarding youth and vulnerable adults. The StoneBridge Business Partners stated in the compliance letter to Bishop Michael R. Cote, “The conclusions reached as to the compliance of your Diocese are based upon inquiry, observation and the review of specifically requested documentation furnished to StoneBridge Business Partners during the course of this audit.”
Bishop Cote is grateful to all the clergy, religious, employees, volunteers, parishes, schools and ministries, and to Mrs. Kathy D’Amelio and the Office for Safe Environments who diligently monitor and provide training and support to keep our youth and vulnerable adults safe as they practice and grow in their faith. We go forward continuing our diligence in prayer, training, and screening so that all our youth and vulnerable adults have the best environment to learn and live the Catholic faith.
Information on the policies in place in the Diocese of Norwich for the protection of the faithful is available on the Safe Environment webpage on the diocesan website.