Child, Youth and Adult Protection

Are you or someone you know a victim

of sexual misconduct by a person working on behalf of the church?

A Note from the Bishop

This is an invitation to you, and anyone you know, to seek health and wholeness as we address the issue of sexual misconduct in today's world. Help is only a phone call away.

If you, or someone you know, is a victim of sexual misconduct by someone acting on behalf of the church, please contact us. We want to help.

Bishop Michael P. Driscoll,
Catholic Bishop of Idaho

To report a concern please contact Bob Fontaine at BFontaine@RCDB.org or (208) 350-7555.

The Charter

The diocesan Office of Child, Youth and Adult Protection was founded in 2003 by Bishop Michael P. Driscoll, following the promulgation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People by the U.S. bishops in 2002.

Bishop Driscoll has directed the Office of Child, Youth and Adult Protection to ensure that our diocese remains in compliance with the charter through the implementation and maintenance of a safe environment program.

The charter states: “Diocese will establish safe environment programs. They will cooperate with parents, civil authorities, educators and community organizations to provide education and training for children, youths, parents, ministers, educators and others about ways to make and maintain a safe environment for children. Dioceses will make clear to clergy and members of the community the standards of conduct for clergy and other persons in positions of trust with regards to sexual abuse.”

In addition, it states: “Dioceses will evaluate the background of all diocesan and parish personnel who have regular contact with minors. Specifically, they will utilize the resources of law enforcement and other community agencies.”

Promise to Protect

In the brochure “Promise to Protect; Pledge to Heal,” the bishops list the necessary components of a safe environment:

A written code of conduct for employees and volunteers who work with young people;

Training programs for adults whose duties include ongoing, unsupervised contact with minors (such as parents, ministers, educators, church personnel, and volunteers); training should include materials on prevention, identification and response and reporting of abuse

Training Programs

Training programs for children and young people that include materials on personal safety

Background Checks

A mechanism for background checks of all personnel who have regular contact with minors.

Dr. Bob Fontaine

Director

(208) 350-7555 phone

(208) 489-7475 fax

BFontaine@RCDB.org

Melaney Swenson

Victim's Assistance Coordinator

(208) 345-6031 phone