Child and Youth Protection

2017 Annual Report on the Implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People 

The 2017 Annual Report on the Implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, produced by the Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection (SCYP) in 2018, describes the progress of Catholic dioceses/eparchies in implementing victim assistance and child protection policies and programs in the United States, particularly those found within the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The report is based on an annual audit process, carried out between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017, by StoneBridge Business Partners.

Call to Prayer for Healing of Survivors of Clergy Sex Abuse

One year ago, on June 14, 2017, bishops from across the U.S. gathered at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis for a Mass of Prayer and Penance for survivors of sexual abuse within the Church.  In commemoration for this anniversary, we encourage all dioceses and parishes to participate in praying for those who have been wounded by abuse.  This can be in the form of Healing Masses, included in Prayers of the Faithful, or even separate prayer services.  During the 2017 Mass, the bishops all joined together to pray the following: 

A Prayer for Healing and Reconciliation

Almighty and most loving God,
through your Son
your compassion brought healing to many.

We ask for your healing once more
for all those who have been profoundly wounded by abuse,
especially those who have been hurt by your ministers.

In your mercy,
we also ask forgiveness.
Words cannot express fully
the sorrow we have for the great harm done
by those who were called to be trusted.

In your goodness,
we ask for the grace
to be a source of healing
to all who have been abused
and to be vigilant
in protecting all your people.

Grant, we pray,
our prayers for healing and forgiveness,
for we ask them through your Son,
Christ our Lord. Amen.

Monthly Rosary for Healing and Protection

Together, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Protector of Children,  our prayers can help to create awareness and opportunities for healing for those who have been abused.

Each month, supported with your prayers, the Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection offers a rosary for the healing of those who have been sexually abused, and for the protection of minors. .

The next rosary will be prayed at the Child and Youth Protection Catholic Leadership Conference in New Orleans, at 6:30pm ET on Monday, June 4th. Please visit the Facebook page for the Archdiocese of New Orleans to pray with us.

For resources to pray the Rosary, visit the USCCB "How to Pray the Rosary" page. You can also download the full-page or booklet versions of the Rosary to be used on April 6th. . 

New dates and times for future Rosaries will be posted each month. For more information, please contact the Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection at scyp@usccb.org.