Diocesan Compliance Audit

Most Rev. Douglas J. Lucia received notice from an independent auditor that the Diocese of Syracuse has completed the 2023/2024 data collection required by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (Charter).

The Charter, established in 2002, is a comprehensive set of policies and procedures aimed at preventing the sexual abuse of minors within the Catholic Church. The Charter addresses abuse prevention and includes guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability, training, and background screening programs. As part of its implementation, the diocesan Office of Safe Environment submits data and documentation for annual review, with a more in-depth on-site audit conducted every third year. The diocese's next on-site audit is scheduled for 2026.

The Diocese of Syracuse reaffirms its unwavering commitment to enforcing the most effective safeguards, prioritizing ongoing evaluation, and the strict implementation of policies and protocols set by the Diocesan Office of Safe Environment. This commitment ensures the protection of children, young people, and vulnerable adults from all forms of abuse, as demonstrated by the Diocese's consistent compliance with all Charter audits since 2003, highlighting its continued dedication to safeguarding individuals within the Church.