The Diocese of Spokane is committed to providing a safe environment in which children can grow in the Christian faith and learn of the abiding love and presence of God through relationships of trust and acceptance. Complaints related to sexual abuse of a child must be taken seriously and be dealt with in a spirit of compassion and justice.
Persons in the Diocese who receive a report of child abuse that they credit or are concerned about, or have reason to believe that a child known to them in their church-related work has been abused or neglected, should report or encourage reporting of the circumstances. Appendix E contains a sample report listing the information needed by the appropriate agencies. To make a report, they may:
- Make a report to the law enforcement jurisdiction where the child resides.
- Make a report themselves by calling
In Washington: DSHS: 1-866-EndHarm (1-866-363-4276)
In Idaho: DCFS: 1-800-926-2588 (Idaho CareLine)
- Report to a mandated reporter, who will then make a report (any person who is a mandated reporter and relies upon someone else to make the report should verify that it has been done).
A list of mandated reporters in Washington and Idaho can be found in Appendix D.
In addition, someone who is not a mandated reporter may urge the child to report to a mandated reporter (such as a teacher, nurse, school counselor, physician) and be an advocate for the minor as he or she prepares to do this.
DSHS (WA) and DCFS (ID) have published pamphlets with respect to reporting requirements and procedures. Copies are available directly from DSHS, DCFS or through the Diocese.
The Bishop or the Bishop’s designee is prepared to help any member of the clergy or lay person who is confronted with an issue of this kind.
Note that, in addition to these statutory obligations and avenues, any reports of sexual harassment, molestation, or abuse by clergy, employees or volunteers must also be made to the Bishop either directly or through the Bishop’s designee. This obligation attaches to both current and past incidents, whether the individual concerned is presently a minor or adult. A prompt telephone call should be made to the Bishop or the Bishop’s designee at 509-624-3191 or 800-359-2587. A Confidential Notice of Concern for the Bishop or Bishop’s Designee is contained in Appendix F.
When a report is made, or a basis for concern exists, about the possible sexual misconduct involving a child, a written report should be made, if at all possible. A sample format compiling the information important to make an investigation is attached.