During the past ten years, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles has made significant progress in promoting a safe environment:
· Each of our 287 parishes and schools has a Safeguard the Children Committee, and all adults who supervise children are required to undergo VIRTUS abuse prevention training, and must submit to background checks and screening.
· Catholic school students and children in religious education programs undergo age-appropriate abuse prevention instruction.
· Priests, deacons, school faculty and administrators, and other staff members in our parishes and schools are mandated reporters, and regularly receive training in how to report suspicions of child abuse or endangerment to civil authorities.
Additionally, the Archdiocese continues to reach out to victims of abuse and their families through our Office of Victims Assistance Ministry.
We continue to pray for the victims of sexual abuse and reiterate our firm commitment to remaining vigilant against any and all threats to our children and young people.