Communications – Protection of Children & Youth

The Archdiocese of Baltimore is committed to openness and transparency. The Archdiocese will meet this commitment to the extent possible while also respecting the privacy and reputations of all individuals and applicable law.

9.1 Covered Entities shall communicate the key components of the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Child and Youth Protection Policies and Procedures to their Covered Entity community.
9.2 The Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Child and Youth Protection Policies and Procedures will be readily available publicly through the Archdiocese’s website. They will also be the subject of public announcements at least annually.
9.3 To insure appropriate and consistent communications with all affected communities, the director of the Department of Communications is responsible for all media contacts. All media inquiries regarding the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Child and Youth Protection Policies and Procedures, allegations of Abuse involving Church Personnel, or related matters which are made to a Covered Entity should be referred to the director of the Department of Communications. The director will consult with, guide, and coordinate relevant persons in the handling of media inquiries.
9.4 Recognizing the importance of supporting a community directly affected by Abuse allegations, the director of Department of Communications will coordinate with the director of the Office of Child and Youth Protection; relevant Archdiocesan offices; and, as appropriate, a Covered Entity’s Responsible Administrator or his/her designee to ensure the affected community receives timely, factual, and pastorally appropriate communication from the Archdiocese.
9.5 The Archdiocese may communicate with other parishes, particularly those where an accused person previously served; with school principals; and /or with a Covered Entity’s Responsible Administrator or his/her designee in order to assist in reaching out pastorally to the appropriate communities.
9.6 The Archdiocese of Baltimore will not enter into confidentiality agreements with respect to alleged child sexual abuse involving Church Personnel except in cases where confidentiality is requested by the victim.