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To Report Suspected Abuse:

Offices of Community Services
Terrebonne  (985-857-3630)
Lafourche  (985-447-0945)
St. Mary  (337-828-5278)
Jefferson  (504-838-5357)


Sheriffs' offices:
Terrebonne  (985-876-2500)
Lafourche  (985-532-2808)
St. Mary  (985-384-1622)
Jefferson [Grand Isle] (985-787-2204)

 

To Report Suspected Abuse:

Offices of Community Services
Terrebonne  (985-857-3630)
Lafourche  (985-447-0945)
St. Mary  (337-828-5278)
Jefferson  (504-838-5357)


Sheriffs' offices:
Terrebonne  (985-876-2500)
Lafourche  (985-532-2808)
St. Mary  (985-384-1622)
Jefferson [Grand Isle] (985-787-2204)

 
 

 Safe Environment 

 Safe Environment 
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SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

 

A MESSAGE FROM BISHOP SAM JACOBS


"Providing a safe environment for the children of our diocese is a prime concern of these guidelines. The children are treasures of our families and of our church. They are gifts from God that we are called to protect and we must enable them to develop into their full potential, as God sees in them. As a diocese we are committed to providing a healthy, loving and an up-building environment for the children that we, along with their parents, are forming into the future adults of our church and society. We owe this to the children."

 

A MESSAGE FROM BISHOP SAM JACOBS


"Providing a safe environment for the children of our diocese is a prime concern of these guidelines. The children are treasures of our families and of our church. They are gifts from God that we are called to protect and we must enable them to develop into their full potential, as God sees in them. As a diocese we are committed to providing a healthy, loving and an up-building environment for the children that we, along with their parents, are forming into the future adults of our church and society. We owe this to the children."
Welcome ...

In response to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux has made the following provision for anyone who has been hurt or sexually abused by anyone who works for the church. The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux has set up an Outreach Line for all victims/survivors of sexual abuse. In continuing our commitment to support and healing, we invite and encourage people who have been hurt or sexually abused recently or in the past by clergy, religious or other employees of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, to call our outreach line. The Outreach Line operates from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily Monday through Friday. A trained mental health professional responds to the line. Individuals are offered additional assistance if requested.

The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Outreach Line telephone numbers are: (985) 873-0026 or toll free 1-866-444-4241 or victims/survivors and/or their families may call the diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator at (985) 850-3129.

In response to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux has made the following provision for anyone who has been hurt or sexually abused by anyone who works for the church. The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux has set up an Outreach Line for all victims/survivors of sexual abuse. In continuing our commitment to support and healing, we invite and encourage people who have been hurt or sexually abused recently or in the past by clergy, religious or other employees of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, to call our outreach line. The Outreach Line operates from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily Monday through Friday. A trained mental health professional responds to the line. Individuals are offered additional assistance if requested.

The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Outreach Line telephone numbers are: (985) 873-0026 or toll free 1-866-444-4241 or victims/survivors and/or their families may call the diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator at (985) 850-3129.

>
DID YOU KNOW
                                                                                                 

       Back to Basics – What is Child Abuse?  Part 5       

  
Reporting Abuse
 
If you think someone is abusing a child:
It is MOST important that you listen to them.
 
DO NOT
  1. Investigate
  2. Ask leading questions (a question that suggests the answer or contains the information the questioner is looking for – That man touched you, didn’t he?)
  3. Make promises
  4. Notify the parents or the caretaker
 
DO
  1. Provide a safe environment (be comforting, welcoming, and a good listener).
  2. Tell the child it was not his/her fault
  3. Listen carefully
  4. Document the child’s exact quotes
  5. Be supportive, not judgmental
  6. Know your limits
  7. Tell the truth and make no promises
  8. Ask ONLY four questions
a. What happened?
b. Who did this to you?
c. Where were you when this happened?
d. When did this happen?
 
Asking any additional questions may contaminate a case!
 
Adapted from Childhelp
 
For the child’s well-being - NOW AND FUTURE – REPORT IT!
_ Call your local law enforcement agency or
_ Call your local Child Protective Services Agency
_ Call the LA Department of Children and Family Services (24 hours)
          1-855-452-5437 (for support and/or more information)
 
 
If you suspect a child has been sexually abused by someone who works for the church (priests, deacons, parish or school staff, church or diocesan volunteers) please call the diocesan Outreach Number: (985) 873-0026 or toll free: 1-866-444-4241 or the diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator at (985) 850-3129. You are also encouraged to call your local law enforcement agency.
 
 
 
                                                                                                 

       Back to Basics – What is Child Abuse?  Part 5       

  
Reporting Abuse
 
If you think someone is abusing a child:
It is MOST important that you listen to them.
 
DO NOT
  1. Investigate
  2. Ask leading questions (a question that suggests the answer or contains the information the questioner is looking for – That man touched you, didn’t he?)
  3. Make promises
  4. Notify the parents or the caretaker
 
DO
  1. Provide a safe environment (be comforting, welcoming, and a good listener).
  2. Tell the child it was not his/her fault
  3. Listen carefully
  4. Document the child’s exact quotes
  5. Be supportive, not judgmental
  6. Know your limits
  7. Tell the truth and make no promises
  8. Ask ONLY four questions
a. What happened?
b. Who did this to you?
c. Where were you when this happened?
d. When did this happen?
 
Asking any additional questions may contaminate a case!
 
Adapted from Childhelp
 
For the child’s well-being - NOW AND FUTURE – REPORT IT!
_ Call your local law enforcement agency or
_ Call your local Child Protective Services Agency
_ Call the LA Department of Children and Family Services (24 hours)
          1-855-452-5437 (for support and/or more information)
 
 
If you suspect a child has been sexually abused by someone who works for the church (priests, deacons, parish or school staff, church or diocesan volunteers) please call the diocesan Outreach Number: (985) 873-0026 or toll free: 1-866-444-4241 or the diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator at (985) 850-3129. You are also encouraged to call your local law enforcement agency.
 
 
 
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