Called by the Gospel to protect and heal vulnerable children and adults by awareness, education, and action.
A Safe Environment for Children and Young People
1. Reporting allegations of sexual abuse by church personnel (not bishops)
The Catholic Diocese of Rapid City is firmly committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for our children and young people. To report allegations of sexual abuse by church personnel, contact the Victim Assistance coordinator, Barbara Scherr. To ensure confidentiality in her outreach to victims, she can be contacted privately at 1-605-209-3418 (cell). Her phone has caller ID and messaging features. All information will be treated confidentially. Alleged victims are advised of their right to report alleged abuse to civil authorities.
In accordance with diocesan policy, all allegations of sexual misconduct involving children or young people by priests, deacons, lay employees, or volunteers serving the Diocese of Rapid City will be investigated.
2. Reporting allegations of sexual abuse by bishops
The Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service (CBAR) was established. The service is operated by Convercent, Inc. an independent, third-party entity that provides intake services to private institutions for reports of sensitive topics such as sexual harassment through a secure, confidential, and professional platform. Individuals may go to ReportBishopAbuse.org in order to make a report. Reports are also accepted via phone (800) 276-1562. The report will be forwarded to the senior bishop of our local province in years of ordination.
In accordance with diocesan policy, all allegations of sexual misconduct involving children or young people and bishops serving the Diocese of Rapid City will be investigated.
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A Safe Environment for Children, Young People, and Vulnerable Adults
The Catholic Diocese of Rapid City is committed to creating and maintaining a secure environment for our children, young people, and vulnerable adults. The Safe Environment Program for the Diocese of Rapid City is coordinated by Sr. Christine Hernandez. For information about the program, contact her at 605-343-3541. All priests, deacons, adult lay employees, and adult volunteers who work with children, young people, and vulnerable adults must pass a background check and complete the Adult Safe Environment Training process. All children and young people involved in diocesan, parish, or school programs and their parents/guardians are offered age-appropriate Safe Environment Training.
