The Diocese of Burlington has received official notice from StoneBridge Business Partners that the Diocese of Burlington is in compliance with the U.S. bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, following examination of submitted documents as required for the July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019 audit period.

The Diocese is audited annually.

The compliance designation “demonstrates evidence that the Diocese ensures the safety and wellbeing of children and the vulnerable entrusted with our care,” said John Pfeifer, manager of Safe Environments Programs for the Diocese.

More than 3,100 children and youth were trained in safe environment practices during the audit period. In addition, 441 volunteers, 265 employees, 177 educators and 67 priests were among those who received training.

VIRTUS, Circle of Grace, Theology of the Body and Child Lures curricula are used in the training.

The Catholic Church of Vermont is dedicated to the safety and wellbeing of all children and vulnerable adults. The Church strives to uphold their dignity and is committed to providing a safe environment for them in all Catholic schools, parishes, camps, events and faith-based programs. Under the guidance and direction of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection, the Diocese of Burlington works alongside other Dioceses and Eparchies in the nation to ensure that the Catholic Church in the United States adheres to a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to child abuse and neglect.

StoneBridge Business Partners of Rochester, New York, is the official auditor of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People on behalf of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

For more information, go to vermontcatholic.org/ministries-programs/protecting-our-children.