The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph is committed to combatting sexual abuse in the Church. If you are a victim of sexual abuse, or if you observe or suspect sexual abuse:
Call the Missouri Child Abuse Hotline at 1.800.392.3738 (if the victim is currently under the age of 18).
Contact your local law enforcement agency or call 911.
If the abuse involves a priest, deacon, employee, or volunteer of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, report the suspected abuse to the Diocesan Ombudsman, Joe Crayon, at 816.812.2500 or [email protected].
The Diocese has a sincere commitment to providing care and healing resources to victims of sexual abuse and their families. Please contact the Victim Advocate at 816.392.0011 or [email protected] for more information.
In addition, the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph REQUIRES all parish and school employees and all volunteers in children's programs (school and childcare volunteers, coaches, chaperones, SOR teachers, Youth Ministers, Sacristans and Confirmation leaders) to take Protecting God's Children, a workshop designed to help raise awareness about child sexual abuse and create safer environments for all of our children. While employees and volunteers working with children are required to attend, all persons interested in making our world safer for children are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Adults who attend the session will come away with practical information about the warning signs of child abuse, ways to prevent abuse, strategies for handling suspicions of abuse and ways to respond. Holy Rosary hosts the workshop every August in preparation for a new academic year as well as at least one additional workshop during the year; however, workshops are held throughout the diocese at other times throughout the year as well.
To begin the background check, see what classes are available in your area and possibly sign up for a class, or even for more resources and information in addition to that found at the OCYCP site listed above, please visit: https://www.virtusonline.org/