While working or volunteering as a representative of the Diocese of Syracuse, individuals have a moral obligation to protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults from physical abuse, sexual abuse, sexual assault, or neglect, and are required to report any disclosures or suspicions of such abuse or neglect to the appropriate civil authorities. This obligation extends to all clergy, religious, diocesan/parish employees, and volunteers, including those who do not work directly with children, young people, or vulnerable adults. Anyone who has reason to believe or suspects that a child, young person, or vulnerable adult has been a victim of such abuse or neglect must report it immediately to the appropriate civil authorities.
If a child, youth, or vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, call 911.
To report known or suspected neglect or abuse of a minor (under age 18), call the New York State Child Abuse Hotline: 1.800.342.3720.
To report known or suspected neglect or abuse of a vulnerable adult, call the Vulnerable Persons Central Register Hotline: 1.855.373.2122.
If 911 and/or the Child Abuse/Vulnerable Adult hotline has been called regarding present or past sexual allegations by any clergy, religious, diocesan/parish employee or volunteer, contact the Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator at 315.470.1465. She will initiate diocesan procedures, beginning with notifying the local District Attorney as per the Memorandum of Understanding.
Individuals may contact Convercent Inc. at ReportBishopAbuse.org or call 1.800.276.1562 to report a Bishop that: