National Child Abuse Prevention Month - April 2016

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month - The Diocese of Harrisburg is committed to the safety of children. We take very seriously the protection of youth in all Church related activities and programs. We are working to make the Catholic Church one of the safest institutions in the country.
 
To report the suspected abuse of a minor, call the PA Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-932-0313. To report suspected abuse of a minor by a Church official, employee or volunteer, no matter when it happened, call the diocesan toll free hotline at 1 (800) 626-1608.
 
In the Diocese of Harrisburg we:

• Have zero tolerance for anyone who is guilty of even one instance of abuse.
• Offer opportunities to help victims to heal.
• Screen all employees and volunteers before they can begin service.
• Educate our youth on how to stay safe.
• Train employees and volunteers on how to recognize and report abuse.
• Disclose all allegations to local civil authorities.
• Exceed State and national requirements.
• Undergo an annual independent audit of our procedures.

 
None of these efforts are new; some have been in place for decades. To learn more about what you can do to prevent abuse, how to report abuse, assistance available to victims and Youth Protection efforts of the Diocese, please visit: www.hbgdiocese.org/safeyouth.