The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People is a comprehensive set of procedures established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in June 2002 for addressing allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy. The Charter also includes guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability, and prevention of future acts of abuse.
The Charter directs action in all the following matters:
In accordance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People adopted by the USCCB, a Victim Assistance Coordinator was appointed for the Diocese of Allentown. The Victim Assistance Coordinator coordinates assistance for the immediate pastoral care of persons who claim to have been sexually abused when they were minors by priests or deacons. The Victim Assistance Coordinator for the Diocese of Allentown is Ms. Wendy S. Krisak, M.A., NCC, LPC. Ms. Krisak will coordinate assistance for the immediate pastoral care of persons who claim to have been sexually abused when they were minors by priests or deacons.
Contact Information:
Ms. Wendy S. Krisak, M.A., NCC, LPC
Email: victimsassistance@allentowndiocese.org
To speak directly to the victim assistance coordinator please call, Direct Line: 1-800-791-9209
Fax: 484-664-7794
Secretary for Youth Protection
Pamela J. Russo, MSW, MS
Email: prusso@allentowndiocese.org
Diocese of Allentown
1515 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive
P.O. Box F
Allentown, PA 18105-1538
610-871-5200, Ext. 2204
610-871-5211 (Fax)
Charter Compliance Officer
Ms. Kelly C. Bruce
Phone: 610-871-5200 Ext. 203
For more information regarding the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People adopted by the USCCB, please visit the USCCB Website.
To learn more about the Diocese of Allentown's Youth Protection Programs, Sexual Abuse Policy and Code of Conduct, please visit the Diocesan website.
Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service
If you have an allegation of abuse against a bishop, please contact the Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service at www.ReportBishopAbuse.org or by calling 800-276-1562.
Servicio de Denuncia de Abusos de Obispos Católicos
Si tiene una denuncia de abuso contra un obispo, comuníquese con el Servicio de Denuncias de Abuso de Obispos Católicos en www.ReportBishopAbuse.org o llamando al 800-276-1562.
Please view the Volunteers page for Pennsylvania & Diocesan Volunteer Requirements at St. Joseph Church.