V. OFFICE OF CHILD PROTECTION
The Office of Child Protection promotes the Church's teaching regarding the dignity of children and young people, and it seeks to protect children and young people from any harmful behavior on the part of Abbey personnel. The Office also helps to provide a safe and effective avenue for individuals who wish to make a complaint of child abuse against personnel of Mount Angel Abbey. The Office assists the Abbot in his efforts to welcome and respond to those who seek reconciliation and healing. The Office of Child Protection is evaluated annually by the Review Board. The Abbot appoints the Coordinator of the Office of Child Protection for an indefinite term.
The Coordinator of the Office of Child Protection:
| A. | promotes Catholic moral values regarding the dignity and protection of children and young people through policies, procedures and resources at Mount Angel Abbey; develops and maintains resource materials and information on child abuse, as defined by the Mount Angel Abbey Child Abuse Policy, and provides materials and referral information to inquirers as requested; |
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B. |
supervises the implementation of the Program for Child Protection and collaborates in the Review Board's annual evaluation of the Program; |
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C. |
coordinates the accreditation processes and periodic updates required by "Instruments of Hope and Healing"; |
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D. |
maintains all files and information related to the Standards for Accreditation required by "Instruments of Hope and Healing;" |
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E. |
receives initial complaints against personnel of the Abbey and helps the complainant to understand what possible steps may be taken; makes referrals for assistance; informs the Abbot (in the case of a seminarian, the President-Rector) and ensures child abuse policy requirements are met, including reporting to the legal authorities; |
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F. |
maintains a record of inquiries, complaints and follow-up by the Office of Child Protection, the Abbot, President-Rector, and other appropriate personnel; |
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G. |
is a non-voting member of the Review Board. |
One Abbey Drive • St. Benedict, Oregon 97373 • 503.845.3515
www.mtangel.edu