The Archdiocese of Baltimore complies with Maryland laws regarding reporting suspected Abuse and Neglect to civil authorities and cooperates with civil authorities investigating reports of suspected Abuse or Neglect by anyone, including but not limited to Church Personnel.

Anyone who has reason to believe a child has been subjected to Abuse must make a report to the local office of the Department of Social Services or Law Enforcement as soon as possible. A list of contact information for local offices of Department of Social Services, Child Protection Services can be found at: http://dhr.maryland.gov/local-offices/.  Washington County Department of Social Services,122 North Potomac Street, Hagerstown, Maryland 21740, 240-420-2100 .  Alleged abuse that occurred when the victim was under 18 years of age must be reported:

• Even if the victim is now over 18 years of age;
• Even if the alleged  perpetrator is now deceased;
• Even if the alleged perpetrator has no relationship with the Catholic church.

Alleged child abuse should not be investigated before making the required report.

• Questions regarding reporting requirements should be directed to the Office of Child and Youth Protection of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, 410-547-5348.

To report child abuse or neglect call the 24 hr. Child Protective Services Hotline at 240-420-2222.

When Church Personnel (Bishops, Clergy, Employees, and Volunteers) are accused, in addition to reporting the alleged abuse to civil authorities, contact the Office of Child and Youth Protection.

• Victims of Church Personnel may contact the Victims Assistance Line at 1-866-417-7469.
• Reports may also be made directly to the office at 410-547-5348.

Most Recent Updates from Archdiocese of Baltimore:

Five Things to Know:  Five Things to Know 021920

1/15/19: New report highlights archdiocese’s response to child sexual abuse—https://www.archbalt.org/new-report-highlights-archdioceses-response-to-child-sexual-abuse/

1/14/19:  Review board develops policy on allegations against bishops— https://www.archbalt.org/review-board-develops-policy-on-allegations-against-bishops/

11/12/18-attached is the Archbishop’s statement about the announcement concerning the planned vote on episcopal accountability reforms. Further, Archbishop Lori was among the first bishops to urge leadership of the USCCB to include on the agenda some formal method for gauging the support of the body of bishops for the reforms that were to be voted on at the meetings this week.   Archbishop Lori statement USCCB Plenary 11-13-18

From the Archdiocese of Baltimore:

Click here to download a fact sheet about frequently asked questions concerning the abuse crisis and the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s response.

Click here to download an information graphic from the Archdiocese of Baltimore about the abuse crisis.

Click here for an official statement from the Archdiocese of Baltimore on the release of the Grand Jury report.

Click here for Archbishop Lori’s response to allegations of abuse against Archbishop Theodore McCarrick.

Click here for Archbishop Lori’s reflection on sexual abuse.Church Sexual Abuse Resources

AOB Responses to Issues Raised in Listening Sessions (added 10/3/18)

Church Sex Abuse Resources and Articles

Statements and Articles

If One Member Suffers, We All Suffer Together With It Letter from Pope Francis

U.S.C.C.B. Chairman Response to Pennsylvania Grand Jury Reports United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

The Church Sex Abuse Crisis: What You Need to Know A collection of news and articles on the clergy abuse crisis compiled by America Magazine

The Darkness of Scandal and the Light of Christ Leah Murphy, LifeTeen

Dear Catholic Bishops: This is Not The Time to Play Defense Katie Prejean McGrady, America Magazine

Bishop Frank Caggiano’s Statement on Crisis to his Diocese NFCYM Episcopal Advisor, Diocese of Bridgeport

The Virtues of Catholic Anger – Fr. James Martin, S.J.

Youth Ministry: Addressing the Sad Reality of Sexual Abuse – Center for Parent /Youth Understanding

Grieving with You: On the Clergy Abuse and What We Can Do Blessed is She

U.S.C.C.B. National Review Board Calls for Lay Leadership Amid Sexual Abuse Crisis United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Pastoral Resources in Response to Sexual Abuse Diocese of Grand Rapids

Address to the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Reports Fr. Mike Schmitz, Ascension Press, Video

Why Remain Catholic? (with so much scandal) Bishop Robert Barron, Word on Fire, Video

Q&A about the Sexual Abuse Crisis Bishop Robert Barron, Word on Fire, Video

Talking with Children and Teens

Courageous Conversations to Have About the Clergy Sexual Abuse Crisis – Developed by Dr. Dobie Moser and Dr. Sean Reynolds (Mustard Seed Consultants)
to assist in processing the crisis with small groups.

Having Critical Conversations on the Church Sexual Abuse Crisis – a Facebook Live recording with Dr. Dobie Moser and Roy Petitfils.

Talking To Young People About the Scandals in the Catholic Church Roy Petitfils, LPC offers tips for parents, teachers and ministers on how to discuss the recent scandals in
the Catholic Church with young people, Video

Defend Innocence Age appropriate information to share with children & teens

The Clerical Sex Abuse Scandal: What Parents Can Do & How to Talk to Your Kids Jerry Windley-Daoust, Peanut Butter and Grace

Addressing Clergy Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Lily Hannann, Life Teen

Discussion and Prayer

A Listening Session for Teens on Sexual Abuse by Priests – This session, developed by Saint Mary’s Press, allows young people in a school or parish to
gather in a safe and trusting place to voice their feelings, thoughts, and concerns in light of the recent publicity of sexual abuse by priests

Prayer for Healing Victims of Abuse United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Prayers and Intercessions from the Day of Prayer for Survivors and Victims of Sexual Abuse Irish Catholic Bishops Conference

A Novena of Saints for a Church in Crisis Meg Hunter-Kilmer, PiercedHands.com

Liturgy and Prayer Resources Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commisions

Prayer for the Church in this Time of Crisis The Association of Liturgical Ministers

Maria Goretti Network – The Maria Goretti Network reaches out to victims of abuse, their families and
to those who support recovery, with God’s love as witnessed in the life of Maria Goretti.

Resources En Español

Caminen en la Luz – Una Respuesta Pastoral al Abuso Sexual de Menores United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

10 consejos para prevenir el abuso sexual en niños

CONSEJOS A LOS PADRES Y MADRES PARA LA PREVENCIÓN DEL ABUSO SEXUAL EN SUS HIJOS/AS

From St Ann Church:

On Sunday, August 26, 2018, parishioners were invited to join together for a discussion session on the recent PA Grand Jury report on sex abuse in the Catholic Church.  The following documents are the result of that session.  Msgr. Jarboe sent these documents for Archbishop Lori at the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

Sexual Abuse Letter to Archbishop Lori 08.27.18

Sexual Abuse Listening Session Feedback