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Audit Finds Diocese Compliant with Charter
^{Child protection efforts meet all standards}  
Following an independent audit of its policies and practices, the Diocese of Kansas City ~ St. Joseph was found to be in full compliance with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Charter for the Protection of Children and Young
People. 

The Charter requires every diocese to promote healing and reconciliation with survivors of sexual abuse of minors, to guarantee an effective response to allegations of sexual abuse, and to offer community education to prevent future abuse. 
 
Conducted by a retired FBI agent from the Gavin Group in September 2010, the
fourth audit of the diocese reviewed:
*        policies that guide response to abuse complaints;
*        controls confirming compliance with policies;
*        outreach programs for victims of abuse;
*        background screening procedures for personnel and volunteers;
*        training and continuing education for personnel and volunteers
*        effectiveness of community review boards; and,
*        personal safety education for children and youth.

"The safety of children and young people in our parishes, schools and programs
is our highest priority," said Bishop Robert W. Finn. "I want parents to know that I care deeply about the welfare of their children and that, as Bishop, I will do everything in my power to ensure that those in positions of trust never abuse
their authority," he said.
 
To implement community education programs, Bishop Finn established a Safe
Environment Office in 2005. Directed by Mary Fran Horton, a former
elementary school principal, the office educates adults on the warning signs of
abuse and how to take action if abuse is suspected. Horton also coordinates
personal safety education programs for children and youth.
 
The complete findings of the compliance audit will appear in the 2010 Annual Report on the Implementation of the Charter. Scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2011, the report is required by the Charter and prepared by the USCCB's Office of Child and Youth Protection.