The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis complies with Article 4 of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, which requires dioceses to report an allegation of sexual abuse of a person who is a minor to the public authorities, to comply with all applicable civil laws with respect to the reporting of allegations of sexual abuse of minors to civil authorities, and to cooperate in their investigation in accord with the law of the jurisdiction in question.

The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis also cooperates with public authorities regarding the reporting of cases even when the person is no longer a minor.

In every instance, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis advises victims of their right to make a report to public authorities and supports this right.

The Office for the Protection of Children and Youth (OPCY) of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis has one goal – providing safe environments for all children.

The work of this office has two primary components:

• Requirements – For clergy, teachers, volunteers and other adults who work with children.

• Education – Age-appropriate, church-approved personal safety instruction for children in our Catholic schools, faith formation and youth ministry programs.

Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People

In 2002, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops developed and approved the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People along with Essential Norms and Statement of Episcopal Commitment. The Charter was revised in 2011. The Charter is available for you to download in pdf format. The Charter is also available in Spanish and Vietnamese.

Concerns About the Safety of Children at Your Parish or School?

If you suspect abuse, your first call should be to civil authorities. Child protection phone numbers in the county where the suspected abuse occurred/is occurring is available for download as a pdf.

If the child is in imminent danger, call 911.

Then, if the suspected abuse involves an employee or a volunteer at your parish or school, contact your pastor or school administrator as soon as possible.

If you need to contact the Archdiocese regarding suspected abuse, please call the Chancery at 651-291-4400; if the Chancery is closed or you cannot reach someone at that number, please call 651-291-4464.


Questions or Concerns About Safe Environment Policies at Your Parish or School?

Contact us or call 651-290-1622

Archdiocese Found in Full Compliance with Charter Requirements

Independent auditors have found the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis to be in full compliance with the USCCB’s Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. This finding is based upon an analysis of audit data collected from parishes and schools across the Archdiocese in the Spring of 2012. The Archdiocese is grateful to all of you in parishes, schools and other locations who work to ensure that the Charter requirements are implemented. We appreciate your efforts and your continued cooperation to ensure we remain in compliance. We all know how important these efforts are in protecting our children. Thank you!