US report warns of child protection complacency

A finding from the annual child safety compliance plan of the US Conference of Catholic bishops warns of a “growing complacency” about child protection.

The report mentions around 30 dioceses as failing to provide safe environment training for all children in parishes or schools.

The auditors said several dioceses assumed that the children had undergone the training in their schools, when they hadn’t, reports the Huffington Post.

One diocese, Sheveport, is mentioned as not convening a meeting of its local review board in two years.

In its defense, the diocese offered the view that it had not received any new allegations.

The study, released by the Bishops’ Conference, says Dioceses and religious orders said they received 594 credible claims of clergy sex abuse in 2011 (up from 202 in 2010), and all but a few of the allegations involved wrongdoing that occurred decades ago.

US$144 million was paid in settlements and related costs last year.

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