Welcome! The Safe Environments Office is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all children in our Diocese.

Ms. Erin Neil, L.C.S.W., Director of Safe Environments and Victim Assistance Coordinator

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Ten years of keeping our promise to protect 2012 marks the 10-year anniversary of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Much has been accomplished in the Church in the area of child safety and abuse prevention. The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, was established by the U.S. Council of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in June 2002 and revised in June, 2011. Read More >>

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April is Child Abuse Prevention Month 2013

The Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection has compiled a number of resources to use this coming April which has been designated Child Abuse Prevention Month.

These resources were designed for use at the parish level during the month of April and can easily be duplicated and distributed to your parishes and schools.

Important Downloads

• Overview and Facts on the Safe Environment Program of the Diocese of Bridgeport

• Child Abuse Prevention Resources for parishes and parents

• A Summary of Safe Environment Requirements for all Clergy, Lay Employees, Volunteers, and Independent Contractors

• Tips for Parents on Internet "Sexting" & Teens

• Guildelines for Parents and Teens on Internet Photos

• Personal Safety Brochure

News Articles

• July 14, 2007 - "Five years since the landmark Dallas Charter, the Diocese of Bridgeport maintains a Safe Environment though vigilance and hard work"

• July 14, 2007 - A conversation with Erin Neil, M.S.W.: "We've entered a healing stage as a Diocese"

Other Important Links

• English Version

• Spanish Version

• Vietnamese Version

• Italian Version

• Portuguese Version

POLICY

A newly revised Policy and Procedures Relating to Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons or by Lay Employees or Volunteers. This policy is in full accordance with state and federal laws and meets the Standards set forth in the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young people. All clergy, employees, volunteers and contract employees of the Diocese of Bridgeport will receive a copy of the policy.

• Diocesan Sexual Abuse Policy

• Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People

• Revised Essential Norms