Contact: Kathleen Hohl, 414-769-3494

Today, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued its 2004 Report on the Implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The report addresses how the United States' dioceses carried out the provisions of the ‘Charter’ during 2004.

"The Archdiocese of Milwaukee remains committed to a compassionate and creative response to the scandal of sexual abuse of minors by clergy," said Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan. "Much has been accomplished and we continue to focus on what more can be done to ensure healing and resolution among those who have been harmed and ensure that children and young people are protected in the future."

From July 26 through December 31, 2004, the Gavin Group of Boston, Massachusetts, conducted audits of 194 Catholic dioceses and eparchies in the United States to determine compliance with the provisions of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, which was adopted by the U.S. Bishops in 2002. The results of each audit are contained in an Executive Summary and a statement of Compliance, which are available at this link on the USCCB web site.

At the conclusion of this compliance audit, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee was found to be compliant with all articles of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

The Archdiocese of Milwaukee reported three "Additional Actions to Protect Children" to auditors. These actions include:

• the Clergy Advocacy and Monitoring Program,
• the Independent Mediation System to Address Clergy Sexual Abuse of Minors, and
• the Community Advisory Board.

The are actions that the Archdiocese of Milwaukee believes exceed or enhance the requirements of the Charter.

To view the 2004 Audit Executive Summary: Archdiocese of Milwaukee, please visit this link.