The Office of Child & Youth Protection is responsible for assisting Bishop Deeley in the Diocese of Portland's efforts to combat and prevent child sexual abuse. Under the direction of Gerald Coutu, Director for Safe Environment, the Office of Child and Youth Protection is responsible for:

• Coordinating the implementation of the Diocese’s Safe Environment Training Programs including:

• Protecting God’s Children — a program designed to educate adults on how to recognize the warning signs that might indicate that a child is being abused. This program also addresses how sexual predators behave and describes, in detail, how predators groom children prior to the actual attempt to abuse. Click here and select Department / Protecting God's Children Program for the latest schedule of sessions
   
• Circle of Grace — a program which includes teaching a culture of respect and faith that goes beyond mere protection.  This program helps children and young people understand their own sacredness, the sacredness of others, and how to seek help through their relationships with trusted adults. (grades K-12). Click here for a quick overview of the program created by the Archdiocese of Omaha and adopted for use in the Diocese of Portland

• Performing Criminal Background checks, Department of Human Services Background checks and Motor Vehicle checks on all Clergy, Employees and Volunteers who work with children on a regular basis.

Click here for safe environment forms.

Click on the calendar of events to find a Protecting God's Children training session.