Protection of Children and Youth

Creating Safe Environments for Children, Youth and Vulnerable Adults

The Archdiocese of Chicago is committed to creating and maintaining safe environments for children, young people and vulnerable adults in our parishes, schools and community. All clergy, adult employees and volunteers must comply with archdiocesan protocols for the protection of children and vulnerable adults, including:

  • Background checks for all clergy, employees and volunteers

  • Safe Environment training for adults and youth

  • Code of conduct (Archdiocesan Standards of Behavior) that is read and signed annually

  • Ongoing education

  • Illinois DCFS Child Abuse & Neglect Tracking System (CANTS) background checks

  • Illinois DCFS Mandated Reporter Training

Safe Environment requirements are completed through virtusonline.org. All clergy, adult employees and volunteers working and/or ministering in parishes, schools and agencies must have Virtus accounts.

Confidential Reporting

To report child abuse and/or neglect in Illinois:

  • Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Child Abuse Hotline:
    1-800-25-ABUSE (800-252-2873)

To report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation and self-neglect of an adult age 60 or older or a person with disabilities age 18-59:

To report child sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of Chicago:

  • Office for Child Abuse Investigations and Review:
    312-534-5205