Protection of Children and Young People

The results of an on-site audit of child protection efforts in the Diocese of Des Moines show the diocese is in compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The charter was created in 2002 by the U.S. bishops to provide guidelines for dioceses to create safe environments for children and provide greater outreach to victims of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. Click here to see the press release with details from the audit.

The Diocese of Des Moines is committed to the protection of young people from sexual abuse in the church. The diocese’s first written policy was implemented in 1988.

In 2002, the diocese instituted an updated policy on the sexual abuse of a minor by clergy (En Español). Under that policy, civil authorities will be notified of allegations. If the allegation is founded, the cleric will be permanently removed from ministry.

An Allegation Review Committee has been appointed to review allegations of abuse of minors by priests or deacons in the diocese and to make recommendations to the bishop on whether sexual abuse has occurred. If so, the case will be referred to the Vatican and the bishop will be advised if the case should proceed here or at the Vatican.

The bishop has appointed Jo Mulvihill as Victim Assistance Advocate. She is also a staff member at Polk County Victim Services. Mulvihill assists victims through the complaint process, and in seeking support and counseling services. Persons can call Mulvihill at (515) 286-2031 or e-mail advocate@dmdiocese.org to make a complaint or seek support or counseling. A report form is available in English or Spanish. The victim is encouraged to report to the local civic authorities.

The four dioceses of Iowa have further developed their safe environment programs for clergy, parish and school staff and volunteers to help keep children safe from sexual abuse. You can register online for training sessions at www.virtus.org.   The next scheduled sessions are:  

                November 17 at 1 p.m. at the Catholic Pastoral Center in Des Moines
                November 20 at 9 a.m. at St. Augustin Parish in Des Moines
                November 29 at 1 p.m. at St. Michael Parish in Harlan
                December 15 at 6 p.m. at Sacred Heart Parish in West Des Moines
                
       
Click here for more information and exact location.

Child abusers seek to operate and abuse their power within nurturing, child-friendly environments where it is assumed that nobody would want to harm a child. Religious organizations of all faiths are an easy target. The “Protecting God’s Children” program implements safety mechanisms that send a message to all abusers and potential abusers:

• Child abuse is not tolerated,
• Children are vigilantly protected,
• Victims are listened to, heard, and shielded from further abuse, and
• Offenders are identified and punished.

Criminal background checks are required for those working/volunteering in the church who have regular contact with children. There are two forms on this website that should be used to apply for these checks. For a background check application form, click here.

The diocese has implemented a Code of Conduct for ministerial behavior and appropriate boundaries. The code covers clergy and other church personnel (En Español).

Press releases
2003
7-17-03 - Update on Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People
7-28-03 - Virtus Training
9-19-03 - Allegation Review Committee Results

2004
1-06-04 - Charter to protect children
2-27-04 - John Jay statement
2-27-04 - Statement on Pierick lawsuit
2-23-04 - Abuse Support Group
8-20-04 - Support Group for Abuse Victims

2005
2-18-05 - Compliance with national charter
2-18-05 - Audit survey update

2006
03-30-06 - Audit survey update/Vatican response
11-16-06 - Pope releases two from priestly ministry

2007
02-02-07 - Abuse Allegation
04-17-07 - Father Hobt Leaving Priesthood

2008
03-07-08 - Audit Results
12-12-08 - Audit Results