Office of Child and Youth Protection
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Office of Child and Youth Protection
The Office of Child and Youth Protection is responsible for assisting the Bishop in the Diocese’s efforts to combat and prevent child sexual abuse. The Diocesan Response Officer receives complaints of sexual abuse and notifies diocesan authorities. The diocesan liaison then immediately notifies law enforcement of the complaints.
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To Report Suspected Abuse:
Notify the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) at
1-877-NJ ABUSE (652-2873) or 1-800-835-5510 (TTY/TDD for the deaf), available 24/7.
Contact Doranne Rossiter at (908) 930-4558,(24 hours/7 days a week) or any of the law enforcement or other governmental agencies.
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The Office of Child and Youth Protection:
- coordinates the implementation of the diocese’s safe environment programs including Protecting God’s Children which educates adults on how to identify and prevent child sexual abuse
- investigates all complaints in coordination with county and/or local law enforcement,
- assists Church officials in canonical or Church disciplinary proceedings involving clergy charged with committing sexual abuse,
- facilitates and ensures parishes comply with the Diocese’s policies and procedures on criminal history background checks.
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Motu Propio
In May 2019, the Holy Father established new universal law for the global Church to protect children and vulnerable people from the evils of clergy sexual abuse, while holding all members of the clergy accountable regardless if they are the direct abuser or involved in the coverup of such crimes.
These norms add more layers of response to The Charter that has already been implemented by the American Church since 2002.
USCCB ON
MOTU PROPIO:
VOS ESTIS LUX MUNDI
APOSTOLIC LETTER ISSUED MOTU PROPIO:
VOS ESTIS LUX MUNDI
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USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children & Young People
The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People [also known as the Dallas Charter] is a comprehensive set of procedures originally established by the USCCB in June 2002 to address allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy. The Charter also includes guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability, and prevention of future acts of abuse.
It was revised in 2005, 2011, and 2018.
The Charter is also available in Spanish Translation
Read the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People
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Parenting to Prevent Abuse:
A Child Assault Prevention (CAP) booklet for families in the Diocese of Metuchen includes a Parent's Guide to Internet Safety
*Special thanks to Virtus for providing these resources.
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Contact Us
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Rev. Msgr. William Benwell, JCLwbenwelldiometuchen.orgEpiscopal Vicar for Canonical Affairs
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drossiterdiometuchen.orgDirector of Child and Youth Protection
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Nevin Mathewnmathewdiometuchen.orgAdministrative Assistant, Compliance Desk -
pgaletteccdom.orgVictim Assistance Coordinator
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