Diocese of Youngstown Expanding Its Safe Environment Program for Children

The Vindicator
September 10, 2016

http://www.vindy.com/news/2016/sep/10/diocese-of-youngstown-expands-safety-pro/

In its ongoing efforts to ensure that children are safe in every Catholic facility, the Diocese of Youngstown will expand its already existing safe-environment program in three ways.

First, it will implement an internationally recognized and respected program called VIRTUS to protect children and vulnerable adults.

Second, it has appointed retired Detective Sgt. Delphine Baldwin-Casey of the Youngstown Police Department as victim-assistance coordinator.

And third, Monsignor John A. Zuraw, chancellor of the Diocese was appointed coordinator of the Safe Environment Program.

In choosing the VIRTUS program and making these appointments, Bishop George V. Murry said, “These efforts will further strengthen our public commitment to protect children and vulnerable adults from any immoral and illegal activities by church personnel. Nothing is more important than protecting those who are defenseless.”

As victim-assistance coordinator, Baldwin-Casey is the first point of contact for those persons who claim to have been sexually abused by clergy, church personnel or volunteers.

A 31-year veteran of Youngstown Police Department, she received special training in the Ohio protocol for the treatment of adult sexual assault, interviewing victims, victimology, sexual assault first responder, identifying sex offenders, non-stranger sexual assaults and sexual predator, abuse crimes that affect victims and the church, domestic violence and the religious community and Empowering Victims.

Monsignor Zuraw, who has a degree in Canon Law, will ensure accountability on the diocesan level for the implementation of the VIRTUS program and for the compliance of the Essential Norms as called for in the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

People who feel that they have been a victim of child abuse by a priest, deacon, seminarian, including those in formation, diocesan employee or volunteer, and persons who have reason to suspect that someone they know has been a victim, should call Baldwin-Casey at 330-718-1388.

For information, contact Monsignor Zuraw at 330-744-8451.