By Eric Girten
Diocesan Vice-Chancellor
The Diocese of Evansville is strongly committed to creating a Safe Environment in which children and families can grow and experience our Lord Jesus Christ. Every year, the Diocese submits an audit report to review and evaluate our efforts to prevent child abuse and the abuse of vulnerable adults.
Additionally, an onsite audit is held every three years that includes the completion of an in-depth report; documentation review related to various aspects of our safe environment efforts; the visitation of schools and parishes (including the interviewing of staff) and interviews of diocesan leaders. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) contracts with Stonebridge Business Partners to complete these audits.
On Nov. 4-5, 2024, Stonebridge Business Partners conducted their three-year audit of our diocesan safe environment efforts, including the onsite visit of four parishes and schools. Over 20 interviews took place during these two days.
On Nov. 14, 2024, Bishop Joseph M. Siegel was informed by Stonebridge Business Partners that the Diocese of Evansville was found to be compliant with all of the audited articles found within the
“Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” for the audit period of 2021-2024.
This is a testament to the often unseen efforts of our parish, school and diocesan personnel and volunteers who work diligently under Bishop Siegel’s guidance to create a Christian environment that is safe.
If you have further questions about the Safe Environment work within the Diocese of Evansville, feel free to contact Diocesan Vice-Chancellor Eric Girten at [email protected].
Eric Girten serves as the Diocese of Evansville’s Vice-Chancellor and Safe Environment Coordinator.