September 2003

Dear Leader in Pastoral Ministry,

At last year's STAND Convocation on August 29, Cardinal Keeler recommitted the Archdiocese to providing a safe environment for children entrusted to the Church's care:

"We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our environments are safer, our personnel are screened more closely, those who have abused children are removed, and our response to victims is swift and pastoral."

I thank you for your diligence over this past year in carrying out background and reference checks on employees and volunteers who have substantial contact with children. Much as been learned from your experience in assuring the fitness of those who work with children.

This manual, Procedures for Implementation & Compliance, is a companion to A Statement of Policy for the Protection of Children & Youth last issued in January of this year. This manual specifies and clarifies the policies and procedures to be used in screening clergy, employees and volunteers who work in the parishes, schools and institutions of the Archdiocese. Producing this manual has been a long, thoughtful and at times difficult process. It is the fruit of many hours of dialogue and demonstrates the commitment of the Archdiocese to assist you in carrying out your responsibility of creating a safe environment for children.

Your work in implementing the contents of this manual is the most important aspect of our work. Your work will protect children. Your diligence will keep them safe.

May God bless you in this most important work.

Sincerely,
Rev. Msgr. Richard W. Woy
Chancellor
Director, Office of Child & Youth Protection