Child Abuse Prevention Month
Each April, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Catholic parishes and schools across the United States join in observing National Child Abuse Prevention Month, an effort to increase awareness about the importance of protecting children and young people and to make our communities aware of child sexual abuse and the steps to prevent it. Together, we can make a promise to protect and a pledge to heal.
The USCCB and the Diocese of Portland have provided a variety of resources for use by individuals, families, and parishes.
- Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (USCCB link)
- USCCB Bulletin Insert
- USCCB National Child Abuse Prevention Month Bookmark - April 2026
- USCCB National Child Abuse Prevention Month Poster - April 2026
- USCCB Resource Booklet - April 2026
- USCCB Resource Center for Parishes
- Ten Points to Create Safe Environments
Diocese of Portland Information
- Office of Safe Environment
- Policy on counseling assistance.
- Process for filing a sexual abuse report
Bishop Ruggieri encourages anyone who may have information about any case of sexual abuse of a minor by a church representative to contact civil authorities and Michael Magalski, director of the Office of Professional Responsibility for the Diocese of Portland, at 207-321-7836 or michael.magalski@portlanddiocese.org.
Pray for All Those Affected
