Decree on Child Protection

What is child abuse?

Child abuse is any non-accidental action that harms a child – whether physical, emotional, sexual or by neglect. That includes, but is not limited to:

1. Engaging in sexual activity with a child;

2. Denial of proper or necessary subsistence, education, medical care, or other care necessary for the children’s health;

3. Use of restraint procedures on a child that cause injury or pain;

4. Administration of prescription drug or medication without the ongoing supervision of a licensed physician;

5. Providing alcoholic beverages or controlled substances;

6. Commission of any act, other than by accident, that threatens or results in any injury or in death to the child.

When should I report?

Any cleric, employee or regular volunteer of the Archdiocese who witnesses an act of child abuse by another cleric, employee or regular volunteer, suspects such an act, or receives a report of such an act, must report the incident immediately to the Chancellor of the Archdiocese at (513) 421-3131.  Those acting in a professional capacity must also report the matter to civil authorities. Most volunteers and parishioners are not required by law to make such a report, but the Archdiocese encourages everyone to do so.

Who needs to be oriented in the Decree on Child Protection?

All employees, clerics and regular volunteers must receive training in the provisions of the Decree.  A regular volunteer is anyone who functions in a regular, significant relationship

with children, such as a catechist, scout leader, coach, server coordinator, etc. This includes interns, student teachers, and others in a similar capacity.  Any volunteer who works with children more than three hours a month or more frequently than once a month should comply with diocesan policy.  The occasional volunteer, such as a driver or chaperone for individual activities, is not a regular volunteer.

What are the purposes of the Decree?

Since 1993, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati has had in place a Decree containing policies, procedures and recommendations with two purposes: to prevent the abuse of children and adolescents, and to provide a pastoral response to incidents of abuse when they do occur.

This brochure is a summary of the latest version of the Decree on Child Protection, offered to make all Catholics of the archdiocese more aware of the Decree’s contents. It is no substitute for the Decree, which can be ordered by calling (513) 421-3131, x 401.

What are some of its key protective policies?

Some of the important protective policies of the Decree on Child Protection that everyone should know include the following: 

1. A child may receive scheduled, individual instruction or counseling from a volunteer only with the consent of the child’s parent or guardian.

2. A child may participate in an organized program sponsored by a parish or school only with the written consent of the child’s parent or guardian.

3. At least two adults must be present for any activity for children sponsored by a parish or school.

4. No child may be disciplined corporally or corrected with abusive language.

5. A volunteer must obtain the consent of a child’s parent or guardian before inviting or allowing the child to visit in the adult’s home.  A parent, guardian or adult who observes a cleric, employee or volunteer behaving in a manner which could pose a risk to a child should call the matter to the attention of that adult. This applies to circumstances which are inappropriate even though not abusive.  Calling attention may mean reminding the person of particular provisions of the Decree or challenging a person guilty of affronts to a child. Any adult should not hesitate to report concerns confidentially to the proper superior or supervisor, when warranted.

To whom should I report child abuse?

Here are hotlines and contact numbers for reporting child abuse in the 19 counties of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.  If a number is not identified as a HOTLINE, ask for the Children’s Intake Worker before beginning to report.

Adams County Children’s Services (937) 544-2511

Auglaize County Children’s Services (419) 738-4311 (Day) (419) 738-7773 (Evening)

Brown County Department of Jobs and Family Service (937) 378-6104 or Children’s Services

(937) 378-4155 (Evening)

Butler County Children’s Services (513) 887-4055

Champaign County Department of Jobs and Family Service (937) 484-1500 (Day)

Children’s Services (800) 837-4290 (Day) (937) 652-1311 (Evening)

Clark County Department of Jobs and Family Service (937) 327-1748 (Day)

Children’s Services (937) 327-1789 (Day) (937) 324-8687 (Evening)

Clermont County Children’s Protective Services (513) 732-7173

Clinton County Children’s Services (937) 382-5935 (Day)

(937) 382-2449 (Evening)

Darke County Children’s Services (937) 548-4132 (Day) *(937) 548-2020 (Evening)

*Sheriff’s Office

Greene County Children’s Services (937) 562-6600

Hamilton County Children’s Protective Services (513) 241-5437 or

(513) 241-KIDS (24-hour hotline)

Highland County Children’s Services (937) 393-3111

Logan County Children’s Services (937) 599-7290

Mercer County Children’s Services (419) 586-5106

Miami County Children’s Services (937) 335-4103

Montgomery County Children’s Services (937) 224-5437

Preble County Department of Jobs and Family Service (937) 456-1135 Children’s Services

Shelby County Department of Jobs and Family Service (937) 498-4981 (Day)

Children’s Services *(937) 498-1111 (Evening)

*Sheriff’s Office

Warren County Children’s Protective Services (513) 695-1558 After 5 p.m. and before 8 a.m.

and weekends (513) 695-1600