In the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the Catholic bishops of the United States, address their commitment to working with children and youth, parents, educators, civil authorities, and various organizations in the protection of children and youth in our care.

In response to our call to accountability the Archdiocese of New Orleans provides training for children, clergy, religious, and laity (employees and volunteers) in the prevention of and recognition of child abuse.

Parishes, Catholic schools and related entities of the Archdiocese of New Orleans are required to participate in the Safe Environment program and complete audit requirements each year.

The Safe Environment Coordinator is a resource person for the Archdiocese at the disposal of parishes, schools, and organizations in the area of child abuse and the prevention of abuse. The coordinator works with all archdiocesan entities to assure compliance to the Charter.

The Archdiocese of New Orleans participates in the Data Collection Process and the Audits as set by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops through Stonebridge Business Partners.

2022 Audit Compliance Letter Stonebridge Business Partners
2023  Data Collection Letter Stonebridge Business Partners
 

                                                      Safe Environment Coordinator
                                                 Sr. Mary Ellen Wheelahan, O. Carm.
                                                        Archdiocese of New Orleans
                                                             7887 Walmsley Avenue
                                                              New Orleans, LA 70125
                                                                   (504)861-6278
                                                      [email protected]

Survivor of Abuse by a member of the Catholic Clergy
If you or a family member are a survivor of abuse by a member of the Catholic clergy, the Archdiocese of New Orleans provides prayerful support and accompaniment in your healing journey. The office of Victim’s Assistance is ready to support you during this difficult time. We encourage you to report any allegations of abuse to the Victim’s Assistance Response Team by contacting our office at (504) 861-6253 or by emailing [email protected].

La declaración es: Si usted o un miembro de su familia es sobreviviente de abuso por parte de un miembro del clero católico, la Arquidiócesis de Nueva Orleans brinda apoyo y acompañamiento en oración en su proceso de sanación.
La oficina de Atención a Víctimas está lista para apoyarle durante este momento difícil. Lo alentamos a que reporte cualquier alegación de abuso al Equipo de Respuesta de Asistencia a Víctimas comunicándose con nuestra oficina al (504) 861-6253 o enviando un correo electrónico a [email protected]

To contact the Victims Assistance Coordinator, Joey Pistorius
call (504)861-6253 or email [email protected].

Archbishop Aymond Letter of Promulgation

In 2020, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops  launched the Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting System (CBAR), a means of implementing the requirements of Pope Francis’ 2019 apostolic letter, Vos estis lux mundi (“You are the light of the world”). In that letter, Pope Francis called upon metropolitan archbishops to undertake the responsibility for receiving and assessing reports involving bishops that pertain to sexual abuse and related misconduct. CBAR is operated by Convercent, Incorporated, an independent, third-party entity that provides intake services to private institutions for reports of sensitive topics, such as sexual harassment, through a secure, confidential, and professional platform.

Individuals may go to ReportBishopAbuse.org or call (800) 276-1562 in order to make a report.

We are committed to protecting our children and youth in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Through the Office of Safe Environment:

Clergy, religious, and laity (employees or volunteers) who have  contact with minors – or anyone who attends an overnight event with minors – must complete the following steps:

1. Complete Safe Environment training. 

2. Criminal Background check. This is handled through your parish or school. Contact the appropriate staff member.  The Safe Environment Coordinator for the Archdiocese of New Orleans will work with the pastor or principal if there is criminal record.

A Letter of Suitability and Safe Environment Compliance from home diocese is required for all temporarily assigned and visiting priests through the Department of Clergy.  This is inclusive of international clergy.

Contact your parish/school for information regarding Virtus or Selection.com.

​​​​​​Safe Environment training and criminal background check must be repeated every three years.

Policy review is required yearly on Virtus - August of each year.
Thank you!

Summary of Louisiana Child Abuse or Neglect Reporting Law

Initial and Renewal Safe Environment training for employees and volunteers can be completed on Virtus. 

Any in person training is done by Sr. Mary Ellen Wheelahan, [email protected].