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 on November 9, 2016 indicating that the Diocese was found to be in compliance as a result of an on-site audit performed in early November.

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, Director of Administrative and Special Services

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