Diocese of Buffalo Complies with Child Welfare

An independent audit of the Diocese of Buffalo shows the diocese is in full compliance with its child welfare policies.

The diocese agreed to several commitments with New York State Attorney General Letitia James, including the appointment of a child welfare policy coordinator, when it settled a lawsuit in 2022.

The audit confirms that the diocese now has rigorous policies and protocols in place to ensure the safety of all children and vulnerable adults.

In a statement in the report, Bishop Michael W. Fisher noted, “Their efforts were thorough and they brought considerable professional skills and experience to this audit process. The auditor and her independent audit team interviewed all diocesan staff responsible for implementing the diocese’s child protection policies, each member of the independent review committee, and conducted several on-site visits in administrative offices of the diocese and other locations. throughout the diocese. »

The report was produced by independent auditor Kinsale Management Consulting. Dr. Kathleen McChesney, who led the independent audit team, confirmed that the diocese cooperated fully with the audit and that “no limitations were placed on the auditor by the diocese in any way.” or throughout the audit.

The full compliance audit report is available here.