ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NEW YORK, March 8, 2005 - As part of
the continuing effort to protect children through
preventive measures, over 60,000 copies of “Because
We Care…” an educational newsletter from the Office
for the Protection of Children and Young People, will be
distributed to parishioners through churches and schools
throughout the Diocese of Rockville Centre.
The first of three planned publications geared towards
parents and volunteers, the purpose of the four-page
newsletter is to help educate adults about the signs of
sexual abuse and potentially dangerous situations for
children.
“We’re constantly looking at new ways of reaching out to
parents and adults to inform them about child abuse and
neglect,” said Eileen F. Puglisi, director of the Office
for the Protection of Children and Young People.
“Parents and other adults need this information so they
can help children,” said Mrs. Puglisi.
The first issue contains information about some of the
warning signs of possible abuse, a “Myth or Truth Quiz”,
as well an update about diocesan programs. The next two
issues are expected to be released by the end of the
school year.
“The Diocese of Rockville Centre is unwavering in its
commitment to training for all church personnel,
volunteers, parents, and children in order to create a
safe environment. This newsletter is an additional way
of doing that," she added.
The newsletter can be found at the diocesan website
www.drvc.org by
clicking on the “Protecting Our Children and Young
People” box and then scrolling down to the newsletter
link under, “Education.”
“Because We Care...” is part of a multi-faceted
approach by the Diocese of Rockville Centre to correct
the errors of the past and to develop the necessary
means to protect children and minors in the future.
Recently, the diocese announced the formation of a
pastoral care team of priests and religious women to
provide trained spiritual support to victims of sexual
abuse by clergy. In August, a Safe Environment program
called, “Talk 2 Us” was provided to all parishes,
schools and religious education programs. This program
encourages high school young people to take an active
role in preventing abuse by becoming active, involved
and informed members of their school.
The diocese now has a fully-functioning satellite office
for the Protection of Children and Young People. Located
at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary parish, Southampton,
N.Y., the office serves as an additional point of
contact when it comes to matters of abuse. In addition,
the diocese also has available a support group for
survivors of sexual abuse in the Church. Additional
support groups are under consideration for the North and
South Forks of Long Island.
The Office for the Protection of Children and Young
People oversees, among other things, criminal background
investigations of all personnel and volunteers in the
diocese, the “Protecting God’s Children” workshops to
train all those working in the Church to recognize the
warning signs of potential problems and the writing and
distribution of publications, including the diocesan
Child Protection Policy manual detailing reporting
procedures of allegations and ministering to survivors
of abuse.
For the second consecutive year the Diocese of Rockville
Centre was found by independent auditors from the Gavin
Group to be in full compliance with the U.S. Bishops’
Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Click here to download newsletter:
http://www.drvc.org/abuse/2005/Newsletter_Because_We_Care_010505.pdf
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About The Diocese of Rockville Centre
The Diocese of Rockville Centre was formed in 1957 and
covers 1,222 square miles in Nassau and Suffolk
Counties. The diocese serves approximately 1.5 million
Catholics (total population in both counties is
approximately 3 million). There are 134 parishes in 119
towns. Last year over 21,000 baptisms, 18,000
confirmations, 21,000 first communions and 5,000
marriages took place in the diocese. There are 2,622
students in kindergarten, 26,738 in primary or
elementary school, 11,979 in secondary school and 9,310
in higher institutions. There are 77 Catholic elementary
schools, high schools and colleges/universities in the
diocese. Catholic Health Services of Long Island
consists of five hospitals, three nursing homes, two
home care agencies, two senior housing complexes, a
community-based home for those with special needs and a
hospice. These facilities served over 743,000 people
last year. For more information visit
www.drvc.org
For more information:
Sean P. Dolan
sdolan@drvc.org
516-678-5800, ext. 625
Cell: 516-510-0473 |
