The Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph is committed to combatting sexual abuse in the Church.  If you are a victim of sexual abuse, or if you observe or suspect sexual abuse:

1. Call the Missouri Child Abuse Hotline at (800) 392-3738 (if the victim is currently under the age of 18), and
2. Contact your local law enforcement agency or call 911, and
3. After reporting to these civil and law enforcement authorities, report suspected sexual abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult to the Diocesan Ombudsman, Joe Crayon, at (816) 812-2500 or crayon@ombudsmankcsj.org if the abuse involves a priest, deacon, employee or volunteer of the Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph.

The Diocese has a sincere commitment to providing care and healing resources to victims of sexual abuse and their families.  Please contact Whitney True-Francis, Victim Assistance Coordinator, at (816) 392-0011 or true.francis@diocesekcsj.org for more information.

Addressing Sexual Abuse in the Catholic Church

Visit Virtus Online:     https://www.virtus.org/virtus

Diocesan Policies for Clergy, Staff, Coordinators and Ministers of youth, and adult volunteers serving in ministry with youth

All volunteers age 18 and older serving in ministry with youth are required to:

1. Complete the Screening Form (State/Federal Background check)

2. Attend Virtus’ Protecting God’s Children class

3. Sign a ‘Code of Conduct’ form

These documents are kept on file in the parish office.  It is the responsibility of the Pastor or Pastoral Administrator or his/her designated representative to review the Screening Form for Volunteers Working with Minors.

Volunteer and personal references are always be checked when a person applying to volunteer has:

1. Not been a member of the parish for at least three years.

2. Indicated a lapse in service in other volunteer settings.

It is recommended that all volunteers in ministry with youth should  receive a copy of the:

1. Standards of Conduct

2. Job Description

3. Other diocesan policies and forms as deemed appropriate by  the Pastor and/or Safety Director.

Adults working with youth must:

1. Never be alone with a youth whether in a vehicle or in the building.

2. Adults and youth cannot be in a room with a child which a key is necessary to enter but not necessary to lock the door.

3. When working one on one with youth, the adult must work with  this youth in a visible location.

Adults ~ Protecting God’s Children for Adults

All personnel and volunteers age 18 and older who interact with any child/children are required to attend a Virtus – Protecting God’s Children training session that teaches the warning signs of abuse. Volunteers include but are not limited to catechists, childcare for meetings or events, drivers, and chaperones. Participants learn strategies for maintaining safe environments and how to handle suspected abuse.  The program mandates ongoing continuing education for directors of programs for children and youth, clergy, teachers and child care staff.

Protecting God’s Children puts everyone in the community on the same page – priests, deacons, pastoral workers, school staff, and parents – and raises the awareness of abuse.  Through consistent education and outreach, adults can effectively impact the incidence of abuse.

Regarding Children (age 17 and under)

• When taking care of children on church property a minimum of  two adults and/or teenagers needs to be present in the same room as the child/children. 

• Adults need to have a background check and go through   Virtus’ Protecting God’s Children class. If an emergency    situation arises out of your control, at least one adult should have the necessary classes. The adult who has not been trained may never be alone with any child.

• Childcare location must be visible to someone walking by.

• The adult/teen may not be in a room with a child which a key is necessary to enter but not necessary to lock the door

•  Children may never be left alone in a building or vehicle.

Office of Child and Youth Protection, Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph

Independent Ombudsman         Joseph Crayon  816-812-2500

Victim Assistance Coordinator   Whitney True-Francis  816-392-0011

Director                                      Carrie Cooper  816-714-2380