#United States #Boston #Child Protection #Voice of the Faithful #Diocesan Review

VOTF's 2025 Diocesan Practices Review: A Call to Action

On June 3, 2026, the Voice of the Faithful (VOTF) released its 2025 assessment of U.S. dioceses regarding their commitment to child protection and safe environment policies. VOTF, a Catholic lay organization dedicated to safeguarding minors and preventing exploitation, has been instrumental in promoting accountability within the Church. This report marks the third edition of the measurement conducted since 2022, aimed at ensuring that dioceses meet the standards set forth by both the Vatican and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

Patricia Gomez, who heads VOTF research efforts, explained that the organization's analysis targets diocesan actions directly. The assessments include evaluations of individual diocesan websites where information about child protection, safe environment initiatives, and abuse prevention details can be found. During the summer of 2025, VOTF-enlisted researchers thoroughly examined every U.S. diocese website, scoring them based on the presence and quality of their child safeguarding content.

The evaluation criteria encompassed ten key categories: policies, codes of conduct, reporting protocols for abuse cases, background checks, prevention education initiatives, easily accessible contact information, auditing reports, diocesan review boards, a list of accused clergy, and victim assistance avenues. Each diocese was awarded a score ranging from 0 to 100, reflecting their level of compliance and commitment to these essential safeguarding measures.

Upon analyzing data from the latest review, it was revealed that the average score for U.S. dioceses dropped dramatically from 70.50 in 2023 to 66.26 in 2025. This decline not only raises alarms regarding the effectiveness of safeguarding practices but also reflects a broader need for improvement and accountability within the Church. This trend is troubling, given the emphasis on protection and prevention of abuse that must remain at the forefront of ecclesiastical priorities.

Among the dioceses, Richmond, VA and Ogdensburg, NY, stood out as the top performers in this review, exhibiting robust strategies for child safeguarding. Notably, the diocese of Grand Isle, NE, made significant improvements, achieving a score of 88.5 in 2025 compared to their previous score of 71.0 in 2023. Their ability to elevate their practices serves as a beacon of hope and a model for other regions to follow.

Despite individual successes, the overall decline in diocesan scores indicates a pressing need to re-establish the Catholic Church's commitment to abuse prevention. Current efforts in communicating safeguarding practices across dioceses must be revitalized, ensuring that every community prioritizes the safety of its vulnerable members effectively.

Gomez stressed that the continued monitoring of child protection policies is of paramount importance. The necessity of maintaining an active awareness surrounding these issues is vital to prevent complacency, which might inadvertently expose children to potential harm. The reduction in the visibility and documentation of safeguarding measures across diocesan platforms underscores a lack of necessary vigilance, compelling church leaders to reassess and renew their dedication to safeguarding protocols.

The mission of Voice of the Faithful is to foster a prayerful, listening presence that enables the faithful to participate actively in the governance and guidance of the Catholic Church. For more information on their efforts and the detailed findings of the 2025 review, one can visit their official website at www.votf.org.

In conclusion, VOTF's 2025 assessment serves as a critical reminder that safeguarding children against abuse is a continuous responsibility that demands attention, resources, and unwavering dedication from all within the Church. The future of child protection policies hinges on the realization that meaningful change requires ongoing commitment and collective effort from every diocese.