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Skip Navigation LinksADLA Administrative Handbook > Chapter 9 - Safe Environment > 9.8 - Reporting Child and Youth Sexual Abuse > 9.8.1 - Reporting Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors to Public Authorities


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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​California law and archdiocesan policies and procedures require all statutory mandated re​porters​​ to report suspected abuse​ o​r neglect of minors​, regardless of when it may have occurred.  Archdiocesan policy also requires that those persons make non-mandatory reports to the Office of Victims Assistance Ministry when 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 California Department of Education website provides a helpful resource for identifying and responding to suspected abuse or neglect of minors. ​See the Archdiocesan Policy and Procedures for Reporting A​llegations​ of Sexual Abuse of Minors to Public Authorities and Mandatory Reporting of Suspected Abuse or Neglect of a Current Minor in Three Steps.


The policy is based on mandated reporting duties under California law and the archdiocesan commitment that archdiocesan staff and officials should fully comply with those responsibilities. The archdiocese also has adopted a 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/Eparc​hial Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons (Norm 11) and the Charter for the P​rotection 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 for schools and as part of training for clergy, religious, volunteers, and staff in the archdiocese. ​​

When mandated or non-mandated reports are made, the Office of Victims​ Assistanc​e 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

​8-25-2021, 6-3-2025