By H. Wicai, KWMU
Belleville, Illinois – The Belleville Diocese has expanded its child protection policy.
Bishop Wilton D. Gregory says all clergy, employees and volunteers who work with children must look for signs of sexual or physical abuse and neglect.
Vicar General, Monsignor James Margason says the policy goes beyond what the nation's bishops adopted at their 2002 Dallas meeting.
What goes above and beyond the charter policy is the idea that we're saying we'll provide protection for children who've been physically abused or neglected. The charter only addresses sexual abuse, Margason said.
Under the revised policy, employees and volunteers must immediately report concerns of abuse to Illinois authorities first.