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WHAT IS THE CHARTER?

The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People is a comprehensive set of procedures established by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Dallas in June of 2002 to ensure dioceses throughout the United States are appropriately addressing allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy and others.

The Charter also includes guidelines for preventing future acts of abuse and for bringing about reconciliation and healing of victims and survivors of abuse. 

Catholic Baltimore Radio Interview

Jerri Burkhardt, director of the archdiocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection, appeared on the Catholic Baltimore radio program Sept. 24 to discuss the 15th anniversary of the U.S. bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

OFFICE OF CHILD AND YOUTH PROTECTION NEWS

VIDEO RESOURCES

William E. Lori

Archbishop of Baltimore

Since Archbishop Lori came to Baltimore five years ago, he personally talked to and tried to understand the reality of  sexual abuse victims as much as possible while knowing he could never fully understand their pain. The Archbishop has made it his mission to continue to mold a safe environment for the people of the Archdiocese. 

C.T. Wilson

Maryland State Delegate, District 28, Charles County

Delegate Wilson, who is featured in “The Keepers,” discusses the Archdiocese’s support of his legislation, which passed in 2017, to extend the civil statute of limitations for victims of child sexual abuse, allowing them more time to file lawsuits for money damages.

Mary Kay Finan

Member 1993-2016, Independent Child Abuse Review Board

Mary Kay Finan was a member of the Archdiocese’s Independent Child Abuse Review Board at the time the allegations of child sexual abuse at Archbishop Keough High School in the 1960s and 70s first became known to the Archdiocese in the 1990s.  She discusses the Board’s reaction to the Archdiocese’s handling of allegations.

Neil Behan

Member 2002-2012 Independent Child Abuse Review Board

Former Baltimore County Police Chief and former Chair of the Archdiocese’s Independent Child Abuse Review Board, Neil Behan, discusses the cooperation of the Archdiocese with civil authorities and the Archdiocese’s commitment to child protection.

Adam Rosenberg

Executive Director, Baltimore Child Abuse Center

Executive Director of the Baltimore Child Abuse Center, Adam Rosenberg shares his opinions about the efforts of the Archdiocese to prevent child sexual abuse and to promote healing for victims.

Judge Joseph Murphy

Independent Child Abuse Review Board

A retired judge, Joseph Murphy is the current Chair of the Archdiocese’s Independent Child Abuse Review Board. He discusses the role of the Board in reviewing the Archdiocese’s handling of individual cases and his belief that the Archdiocese appropriately responds to credible abuse allegations.

A Response to the Netflix Series, "The Keepers"

Promise to Protect and Promote Healing