The
Archeparchy of Pittsburgh is committed to protecting the rights, safety and dignity of every person, especially children, entrusted to its pastoral care and to implementing fully the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People adopted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, including programs to increase awareness and promote safe environments for children and youth engaged in activities on the parish, protopresbyteral, and Archieparchial levels.
VICTIMS ASSISTANCE
> Coordinator contact information
SAFE ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM
> Background Clearances
> Mandatory Training Workshop
> Catechist/Parent Resources
COORDINATOR OF THE AUDIT
> Proof of Compliance
Procedure for filing a sexual misconduct allegation:
The Pennsylvania law requiring any person to report an allegation of sexual misconduct against a member of the clergy or other person working for or on behalf of the Church in the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh has changed.
Reports of suspected child abuse must be made both by telephone and by written report.
The new reporting procedure is as follows:
- 1) Oral reports. Oral reports of suspected child abuse must be made immediately by telephone DIRECTLY to ChildLine, 1-800-932-0313.
- 2) Written reports. Written reports must be made within 48 hours after the oral report is made by telephone. Written reports must be rendered on forms available from the local Pennsylvania county’s children and youth social service agency.
In addition to mandatory investigation of the complaint, the Archeparchy offers individualized pastoral care to victims of abuse that may include counseling, spiritual assistance, and referrals to support groups. (See Victims Assistance link above)
The Sexual Misconduct Policy of the Metropolitan Archeparchy of Pittsburgh is available at this link. Printed copies also are available through the Office of Communications. Contact the Chancery at 412-231-4000 for these hardcopy printouts, or to obtain further information regarding the Safe Environment Program or regarding abuse reporting procedures.
Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service
REPORTING IN OTHER STATES:
Please note that other states outside of the Archeparchy’s physical headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (states which have parishes within the Archeparchy’s jurisdiction – Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia) have their own laws regarding reporting allegations of child abuse. Links to ALL states’ child abuse reporting web sites are listed below:
LOUISIANA
OKLAHOMA
OHIO
PENNSYLVANIA
TENNESSEE
TEXAS
WEST VIRGINIA
Safe Environment “hotline” Phone Numbers:
National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453
Louisiana Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline 1-855-452-5437
Ohio Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline 1-855-642-4453
Oklahoma Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline 1-800-522-3511
Pennsylvania Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline 1-800-932-0313
Tennessee Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline 1-877-237-0004
Texas Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline 1-800-252-5400
West Virginia Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline 1-800-352-6513
National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline: 1-866-331-9474
National Sexual Violence Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
National Hope Line Network (Suicide) 1-800-784-2433
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: 1-800-843-5678
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
