For Immediate Release: January 14, 2021

RICHMOND, Va. – The Most Rev. Barry C. Knestout, bishop of Richmond, announces that the Catholic Diocese of Richmond remains in compliance with the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops’ “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.” The report from the independent auditor covers the 2019-2020 audit period. The diocese has remained in compliance since the initial audit in 2004.

The report and its findings demonstrate the ongoing commitment of the diocese to the protection of children, youth and vulnerable from sexual abuse. As part of this commitment, diocesan policies on safe environment and conduct were strengthened with the promulgation of the Code of Ethical Conduct in February 2020.

The compliance notification comes from Stonebridge Business Partners, Rochester, N.Y., which conducts the yearly audits for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Office of Child and Youth Protection. You can read the letter of compliance here.

The diocese will participate in an on-site audit in 2021, which is conducted every third year.

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