PALM BEACH GARDENS | The Catholic Church continues to evolve and improve its response to child abuse. As the Diocese of Palm Beach marks National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, it is fitting to examine the changes that ensure the safety of children in its care.
Twenty years ago, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops approved the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” and the “Essential Norms” to safeguard children by establishing a framework for dioceses to deal with abuse by clergy or anyone else involved in ministry for the Church. Training and background screening make up the fundamental protocol in the norms.
