Safeguard the Children

The Office of Safeguard the Children is dedicated to “protecting all of God’s children” by fully implementing Article 12 of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People adopted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2002.

The Office of Safeguard the Children provides ongoing support, education, training and resources to help prevent child sexual abuse and to address children’s safety in our parishes, schools, homes and communities.

Empowering God’s Children and Young People Safety Program is required annually for all children and young people who participate in religious education, catholic schools, and children or youth activities in the diocese.

Empowering God’s Children and Young People

Working Together to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse Brochure

2023 – 2024 Working Together Order Form (Free)

Working Together to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse Brochure (English) / Working Together Brochure “Trabajando Juntos Español” (Spanish)

Working Together Brochure (Chinese) / Working Together Brochure (Korean)

USCCB Safe Environment Audit Report

2023 USCCB Safe Environment Parish Audit Report

2023 USCCB High School Safe Environment Audit Compliance Report

2023 Quick & Easy Safe Environment Resources

VIRTUS® Safe Environment Training is mandated for all Clergy, Staff and Volunteers

Educational and training programs can be found here

Safeguard the Children Parish Committee Handbook

Safeguard the Children Parish Committee Handbook (PDF)

Policies and Procedures (Guidelines)

Policies and procedures for interacting with minors by visiting this webpage

April Child Abuse Prevention Month

April Child Abuse Prevention Month

2023 Child Abuse Prevention Month Resource Booklet

Archbishop Gomez, the Auxiliary Bishops of the Archdiocese and Victims Assistance Ministry, thank you for joining us again this year as we gathered in support of all victims of child abuse. “United Together in Prayer: A Novena for Healing” was live-streamed from various sites throughout the Archdiocese. For further information, please go to the United Together page.

How to find a VIRTUS session; please email Brenda Cabrera bmelendez@la-archdiocese.org for upcoming VIRTUS® Schedule.

All clergy, paid parish/school personnel and volunteers who work regularly in a supervisory role with children or youth must be fingerprinted. For more information, call us at: (213) 637-7680 or visit this webpage.