The Most Reverend David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, has promulgated the Safe Environment Policy for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults of the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, effective immediately.  This policy replaces the 2008 Child Protection Policy while incorporating the vast majority of its policies and procedures.  Significant additions include an explicit reference to vulnerable adults, a specific section relating to social media and electronic communication, and updated resources for those seeking to report misconduct or abuse.

The Diocese of Youngstown first promulgated the Child Abuse Policy in 1994.  In 1999, the policy was revised and renamed the Child Protection Policy.  With the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and the Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons, written by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and approved by the Vatican in 2002, the diocesan policy was revised in 2003 to include the provisions of those documents.  The Charter was revised by the USCCB in 2005.  In 2007, the Standards of Ministerial Behavior were promulgated by the diocese and included in the 2008 revision of the Child Protection Policy.  The Charter was again revised in 2018 by the USCCB and these revisions are included in the newly promulgated Safe Environment Policy. For more information on the Safe Environment Policy, contact the Office of Safe Environment by phone, 330-744-8451 ext. 293, or by email dcolucy@youngstowndiocese.org.  To report abuse or suspected abuse, contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator by phone, 330-718-1388, or by mail at: Catholic Diocese of Youngstown.  Attn. Victim Assistance Coordinator, 144 W. Wood Street, Youngstown, OH  44503