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April 5, 2021Child Abuse Prevention Month leads us to a heightened awareness and serves as a solemn reminder of the need to be vigilant about providing a safe environment within the Church and our communities. We are all part of a larger culture of protection and healing within the Church, and each one of us can play an important role in strengthening this culture. We can better prevent abuse by eliminating situations that create the potential for abuse and by knowing how to recognize the signs of abuse. Noticing these warning signs, taking them seriously, and immediately reporting them are key to preventing abuse.
The Church is committed to providing a safe environment for all God's children. Dioceses have fully implemented steps prescribed in the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People established in 2002 by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. There is a Victim Assistance Coordinator and Safe Environment Coordinator in every diocese and Diocesan Review Boards are in place to review allegations of abuse and advise the bishop. Adult volunteers, clergy, and staff must undergo background checks, and these adults and all children in parish religious education programs and in Catholic schools must receive safe environment training.
On April 1, The Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida and Prevent Child Abuse Florida, in collaboration with the Governor's Office of Adoption and Child Protection and the Department of Children and Families, kicked-off the annual Pinwheels for Prevention campaign in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month. As part of the month-long observance, child advocates plant blue and silver pinwheel gardens in communities throughout the state to represent the happy, healthy childhoods all children deserve. See the Governor's proclamation designating April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
