It is to the Office of Child and Youth Protection that The Bishop of Lake Charles entrusts the welfare of children and youth.

The office's main responsibilities include: education and training designed to prevent the abuse of children by adults and older children or youth in the Diocese of Lake Charles; the background checks required of all clergy,  employees, and volunteers who have direct contact with children and youth; to be the recipient of complaints regarding the abuse of children and youth in the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Lake Charles, and as a source of information and education.

The office is mandated by the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2002. It is a comprehensive set of procedures for addressing allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy. The Charter also includes guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability, and prevention of future acts of abuse.

The Charter directs action in all the following matters:

• Creating a safe environment for children and young people;
• Healing and reconciliation of victims and survivors;
• Making prompt and effective response to allegations;
• Cooperating with civil authorities;
• Disciplining offenders;
• Providing for means of accountability for the future to ensure the problem continues to be effectively dealt with through a national Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection and a National Review Board.

   

Any person who has actual knowledge of or who has reasonable cause to suspect an incident of sexual abuse, other physical abuse or neglect of a minor by any personnel of the Diocese of Lake Charles shall comply with all applicable reporting requirements of state law and all applicable federal and local laws, if any, and shall report to the Diocese as follows:

1.    A verbal report shall be made immediately to the chief administrative officer of a school (principal); church agency, or other institution or organization and to the pastor of the parish wherein the incident is alleged to have occurred. As soon as possible, but within a period of time not to exceed five (5) days, a written report must be submitted by the pastor to the Bishop.

2.    Should any person wish to make an allegation of abuse on a minor by a priest or deacon or other religious such as a nun or brother, that person is to contact the Office of the Bishop, 337-439-7400.

Very Reverend Daniel Torres                                              Deacon George Stearns, Chancellor
Vicar General/Moderator of the Curia                                 414 Iris Street
414 Iris Street                                                                  Lake Charles, LA 70601
Lake Charles, LA 70601                                                    337-439-7400
337-439-7400

Scott Riviere, M.S., L.P.C., R.P.T.-S.                                   Mrs. Bernell Ezell, Director
Victims Assistance Coordinator                                        Office of Child and Youth Protection
109 East Street                                                              411 Iris Street
Lake Charles, LA 70601                                                  Lake Charles LA 70601
337-497-1002                                                               337-439-7400, Ext. 305