BRIDGEPORT—A recent data collection audit of our diocesan safe environment programs was conducted by Stonebridge Business Partners of Rochester, New York. The audit process found that the Diocese of Bridgeport is compliant with all articles of The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People for the 2018-2019 audit period. Two types of audits are regularly conducted, onsite and data collection. Every three years an onsite audit involves members of the Stonebridge firm who travel to the Diocese of Bridgeport to conduct interviews with our Bishop and everyone involved with safe environment administration as well as survivors of sexual abuse by priests from our diocese.
Our most recent on-site audit of diocesan Safe Environment programs was conducted in October of 2018. The auditor spent two days interviewing and checking records which are submitted annually by schools and parishes and reflect their compliance with Safe Environments for adults and children. The auditor commented that our survivor group and victim assistance ministry is the strongest he has encountered. The Diocese of Bridgeport utilizes the Think First & Stay Safe training for children and parents, Netsmartz for teens & VIRTUS for Adults. We include Code of Conduct, reporting information and a background check during VIRTUS online registration so that pastors and principals can keep track locally.
The next onsite audit in the Diocese of Bridgeport will take place in 2021 and will include onsite audits at schools and parishes to review their training and background check compliance. Within the next 18 months, representatives from the Office of Safe Environment will schedule onsite meetings with local coordinators to share best practices and give feedback in advance of their onsite audit. Since 2003, our Diocese has policies and procedures in place which exceed Charter requirements. These policies are included in our Safe Environment Handbook and may be found on our Diocesan website at: www.bridgeportdiocese.org/safe-environments/safe-environments-handbook
Click here to read the Safe Environment January 2020 Newsletter
