The document Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People was approved by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB) in June of 2002. In July of that same year Bishop Saltarelli appointed three committees to develop the response of the Diocese of Wilmington. These committees were composed of lay men and women from throughout the Diocese in differing areas of competence. Additionally, priest representation and staff members were appointed. These forty men and women worked for seven months to produce a final recommendation to the Bishop in March of 2003. The committees determined that the recommendation to the Bishop was to create our own safe environment program and with the submission of "For the Sake of God's Children" the task was complete. The Bishop approved the program and called for its immediate implementation.

In May of 2003 the Diocese convened more than 15 meetings around the Diocese for parish leadership, priests, employees and deacons. Special sessions were conducted later that summer for seminarians. By August of 2003 all priests, deacons, diocesan employees and all those who either as employee or volunteer worked on a regular recurring basis with young people were introduced to the program. Thus began the ongoing process of background screening, ethical standards of behavior/covenants and the educational processes aimed at maintaining a safe and secure environment for the children.

Click on the logo below to review the full program.

For additional information you may contact : Diocesan Human Resources Director at 302-573-3126.
(Graphics courtesy of the Diocese of Wilmington)