Statewide (DCF) Abuse Hotline
1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873)

Archdiocesan Abuse Hotline
1-866-802-2873 (1-866-80-ABUSE)

Victim Assistance Coordinator
Peter Routsis-Arroyo
1-866-802-2873

Since 2002, the Catholic Church in the USA has followed a set of rules initiated by the bishops of the country and approved by the Vatican for dealing with sexual abuse of minors by priest or deacons: The Essential Norms for Diocesan/eparchial Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons. In the Archdiocese of Miami, the policy includes vulnerable adults.
Every U.S. diocese/eparchy must meet a specific set of requirements. We will share a couple of them each week throughout April during Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Archdiocese of Miami is in compliance and has been each of the 17 years since the inception of the Charter.

• To remove offending priests or deacons permanently from Church ministry.
• To prohibit the transfer of offending priests or deacons for ministerial assignment in another parish, diocese or eparchy.
• To receive necessary background information before permitting a priest or deacon to exercise ministry in a diocese of eparchy.
• To report allegations concerning child sexual abuse to civil authorities and to cooperate with the civil investigations.
• To investigate promptly and objectively any allegation of sexual abuse of minors by a priest or deacon.
• The Archdiocese of Miami created calling cards with “Triple A” steps for response, called “Alerts for Suspected Physical or Sexual Abuse of a Child or Vulnerable Adult.”

A-1 Alert Department of Children and Family Services immediately.
A-2 Alert Archdiocese of Miami Safe Environment Office.
A-3 Alert Audiences with messaging assistance from the ADOM Communications Director.

Attached here is some literature that can help you recognize, deal with or pray for the Healing and Protection of those who are unable to help themselves.

Dear Lord, We ask You to bless these Your holy people who have participated in theChurch’s efforts to help stop child sexual abuse. Open their hearts to Your call to bethe “ears, eyes and voice of children and young people” everywhere. Give them thevision and grace needed to fulfill the special commitments that each of them has madeto making their homes, churches, schools, communities and world a safer place for all God’s Children. Amen