SPRINGFIELD (MA)
Daily Hampshire Gazette
June 18, 2019
By Jacquelyn Voghel
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield has announced the launch of a “newly reorganized” Safe Environment & Victim Assistance Office in the wake of a report that the diocese attempted to cover up molestation accusations leveled by a former altar boy against a longtime bishop.
The office’s responsibilities will include “building on a system” that includes measures such as CORI checks; abuse awareness training for clergy members, religious and lay employees, and all church volunteers; and other church education and awareness programs, Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski said at a press conference at the diocesan pastoral center Tuesday afternoon.
Jeffrey Trant, a social worker whose background focuses on children and vulnerable adults affected by trauma, will lead the office.
The diocese already undergoes annual audits to check its compliance with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, Rozanski said, but he added, “We know we can do better.”
There are “aspects of our response that clearly need improving,” Rozanski said.
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