St Robert of Newminster Parish complies with the requirements of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the guidelines of the Diocese of Grand Rapids. Under the requirements of the program, all employees and volunteers of the parish engaged in regular contact with children or young people must undergo a criminal history background check and attend a Protecting God’s Children abuse awareness session.
2022 Annual Report on the Charter for the Protection of Children and Youth
Michigan Catholic Conference’s FOCUS Publication
Forms to Be Completed by persons who have regular contact with children and young people:
- Background Check Authorization Form
- Standards of Ministerial Behavior in Dealing with Children & Young People
Protecting God’s Children Abuse Awareness Sessions
To register for a Protecting God’s Children Abuse Awareness session or see a list of upcoming sessions, visit www.virtus.org, click “Registration.” Click the drop down arrow by “Select Your Organization” and select Grand Rapids, MI (Diocese).
Reporting Sexual Abuse of Minors
Any person having reasonable cause to suspect sexual abuse of a minor by a member of the clergy (bishop, priest or deacon) or by any person acting under the authority or apparent authority of the church, is urged to contact the Diocese of Grand Rapids Victim Assistance Coordinator. Individuals who believe they were sexually abused as a minor by a priest or deacon are urged to follow the same reporting procedure.
Diocese of Grand Rapids Victim Assistance Coordinator – 616-243-0491
360 Division Avenue S, Grand Rapids MI 49503
Michigan Department of Health & Human Services / Child Protective Services – 855-444-3911