The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) requires from all dioceses in the United States to undergo yearly audits to verify their compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

These audits are undertaken by StoneBridge Business Partners, which began Charter audits for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops since 2011.

StoneBridge also issues the annual report which includes statistical data gathered by the Georgetown University-based Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA).

From the annual audits, the USCCB can say that the Catholic Church in the United States:

  • Administered safe environment training and background checks for clergy and adults who work or volunteer with
    children. 

    • 98.7% of priests, 96.6% of educators, and 97.1% of volunteers are among those who received background checks at the time of the audit, with the rest scheduled for future evaluations.
    • 99.1% of priests, 98.0% of educators, and 96.4% of volunteers received safe environment training.
  • Educated children on how to identify and report abuse. 
    • 94.0% or 4.5 million children received safe environment training in parishes and schools.
  • Provided outreach and support to victims/survivors of abuse.
    • Close to 250 newly identified victims/survivors and members of their families were offered outreach and healing, and ongoing support was provided to 1,510 victims/survivors.

For additional information about the compliance audits, please visit the USCCB Office of Child and Youth Protection web site.

Audit Results

There was no audit necessary in 2008 or 2006.

2022 Participation letter

Last Updated: January 10, 2023

2021 Audit Results

Last Updated: December 15, 2021

2020 Audit Results

Last Updated: December 7, 2020

2019 Audit Results

Last Updated: December 9, 2019

2018 Audit Results

Last Updated: December 4, 2018

2017 Audit Results

Last Updated: September 12, 2018

2016 Audit Results

Last Updated: December 3, 2017

2015 Audit Results

Last Updated: July 3, 2016

2014 Audit Results

Last Updated: July 31, 2015

2013 Audit Results

Last Updated: July 31, 2014

2012 Audit Results

Last Updated: July 9, 2013

2011 Audit Results

Last Updated: July 7, 2012

2010 Audit Results

Last Updated: July 9, 2011

2009 Audit Results

Last Updated: July 9, 2010

2007 Audit Results

Last Updated: July 7, 2008

2005 Audit Results

Last Updated: July 9, 2006

2004 Audit Results

Last Updated: July 9, 2005

2003 Audit Results

Last Updated: July 9, 2004

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