Analysis of the Written Policies of the 32 U.S. Archdioceses on the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse. Issue 8 (17th November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dallam, Stephanie J.; Hamilton, Marci A.; Glocker, Sabine A.; Ortiz, Andrew J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of child sexual abuse. Volume 30:Issue 8(2021)
• Page Start: 891
• Page End: 910
• Publication Date: 2021-11-17
• Subjects: Child sexual abuse -- Catholic church -- priest abuse -- clergy -- policies -- child abuse prevention -- youth serving organization; Child sexual abuse -- Periodicals; Child sexual abuse -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Child molesters -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Sexually abused children -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Child Abuse, Sexual -- Periodicals; 362.76
• DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2021.1970678
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1053-8712

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The Catholic Church in the U.S. has been under concerted public pressure to improve its child protection policies. However, development of these policies has largely been left to the discretion of local dioceses with little central oversight. To determine the scope of current abuse prevention policies, we analyzed all 32 U.S. archdioceses' policies and practices for developing a safe environment and preventing child sexual abuse. Using a tool developed from a list of unique components selected from the policies of all 32 archdioceses, we compared policies and procedures across archdioceses. On a group level, we found policies to be inadequate. The average score for archdioceses in the general area of prevention was 40.7 (SD = 9.3) out of 102 possible points (40% of possible points) with few prevention policies conforming to basic best practices that would be expected of a youth-serving organization. The variation and inconsistencies across archdioceses reveal the need for the Catholic Church to establish more uniform standards for preventing sexual abuse. These standards should be grounded in evidence-based practices and expert guidance. We also discuss some key areas which warrant immediate attention in future policy-making.