Civil Reporting Requirement

While working or volunteering as a representative of the Diocese of Syracuse, individuals have a moral obligation to protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults from physical abuse, sexual abuse, sexual assault, or neglect.  They must also report any disclosure or suspicion of such abuse or neglect to the appropriate civil authorities.

This obligation applies to all clergy, religious, diocesan and parish employees, and volunteers, including those who do not work directly with children, young people, or vulnerable adults.  Anyone who has reason to believe or suspects that a child, young person, or vulnerable adult has been the victim of physical abuse, sexual abuse, sexual assault, or neglect must report it immediately to the appropriate civil authorities and to the Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator.

Every adult has a moral responsibility to protect children and young people from abuse or neglect by reporting concerns to the appropriate authorities.

If 911 and/or the Child Abuse or Vulnerable Adult Hotline has been called regarding present or past sexual abuse or sexual assault allegedly committed by clergy, religious, a diocesan or parish employee, or a volunteer, contact the Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator at 315.470.1465.  The Coordinator will initiate the appropriate diocesan procedures.