California law and archdiocesan policies and procedures require all
statutory mandated reporters to report suspected abuse or neglect of minors, regardless of when it may have occurred. Archdiocesan policy also requires that those persons make non-mandatory reports to the archdiocese where the victim is no
longer a minor and regardless of where or when the abuse might have
happened, if the alleged abuse involves abuse by clergy, staff, or
volunteers. The archdiocese includes vulnerable adults as possible
victims about whom a report is to be made on the same basis as a
possible minor victim.
The policy is based on mandated reporting
duties under California law and the archdiocesan commitment that
everyone should fully comply with those responsibilities. The
archdiocese also has adopted the non-mandatory reporting policy, which
is broader than California law. The policy arises from the archdiocesan
commitment to help anyone who may be a victim and cooperate with law
enforcement authorities as required by the Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons (Norm 11) and the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People adopted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
in 2002. The archdiocesan policy includes training for reporting as
part of the annual in-service training at schools and as part of ongoing
training for all other clergy, religious, volunteers, and staff in the
archdiocese. See the Archdiocesan Policy and Procedures for Reporting Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors to Public Authorities and Mandatory Reporting of Suspected Abuse or Neglect of a Current Minor in Three Steps.
When mandated or non-mandated reports are made, the Office of Victims Assistance Ministry is available to assist with referrals or resources. To allow for
follow-up and assistance to possible victims and to assure that all
allegations are investigated or reported, as applicable, copies of all
mandated and non-mandated reports are to be forwarded to the Office of
Victims Assistance Ministry at the archdiocese.
To report abuse or neglect:
Los Angeles County
Santa Barbara County
Ventura County
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