Youth & Child Protection

For information on the causes and context study by the John Jay College for Criminal Justice, please go to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' website.

The Diocese of Des Moines is committed to the protection of young people in the Church.  Please see below for information on how to report sexual abuse.

Bishop Pates received a letter dated December 17, 2013 from StoneBridge Business Partners of Rochester, New York stating the Diocese of Des Moines is in compliance with the requirements of the 2012/2013 Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People based on the onsite audit conducted in November 2013.

Report Abuse in Iowa

If you suspect that a child is in imminent danger, please call 911 immediately.

Report Suspected Child Abuse

To report suspected child abuse, please contact:

The Department of Human Services

1-800-362-2178

Victim Assistance Contacts at the Diocese of Des Moines

Sr. Jude Fitzpatrick, Chancellor

515-237-5048

Sherry Knox, Victim Assistance Advocate

515-286-2028

To file a complaint, please click here.

Bishop Pates column addressing issues of sexual abuse
 

June, 2010 -- published in The Catholic Mirror, shortened version in The Des Moines Register
    Column in Spanish