Office of Child and Youth Protection
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Office of
Child and Youth ProtectionThe Office of Child and Youth Protection (OCYP) is responsible for assisting the Bishop in the Diocese’s efforts to combat and prevent child sexual abuse. The OCYP is also charged with protecting vulnerable adults, defined by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) as those individuals who habitually lack the use of reason.The OCYP coordinates and implements the Diocesan safe environment programs and compliance protocols.The OCYP reports every allegation of suspected abuse to local and/or county law enforcement authorities.
The OCYP assists Church officials in canonical or Church disciplinary proceedings involving clergy charged with committing sexual abuse.
- The OCYP facilitates and ensures that Parishes and Catholic Schools comply with safe environment protocols, which include criminal history background checks.
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To Report Suspected Abuse:
First, notify local law enforcement.Second, notify the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP). They can be reached at 1-877-NJ ABUSE (652-2873) or 1-800-835-5510 (TTY/TDD for the deaf), available 24/7.
Third, if the allegation involves a member of the clergy or an employee of a parish or the Diocese, contact Doranne Rossiter at (908) 930-4558, (24 hours/7 days a week) or complete the Report Abuse form by clicking the box on the right.
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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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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.
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The Diocese of Metuchen's Safe Environment Protocol/Resources
The Diocesan Safe Environment Program is comprised of training and criminal background checks required of those individuals working or volunteering with children.Additionally, Diocesan school students and children enrolled in Catechesis receive age-appropriate safe environment instruction. This content is provided by VIRTUS through their Empowering God's Children program.
Please visit our Safe Environment page to learn how you can serve as a volunteer or employee (working with children) at your Parish/School.
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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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pgaletteccdom.orgVictim Assistance Coordinator
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Nevin Mathewnmathewdiometuchen.orgAdministrative Assistant, Compliance Desk
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