SCRANTON – An independent on-site audit has once again determined that the Diocese of Scranton is in compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

StoneBridge Business Partners, an independent auditing firm based in Rochester, N.Y., recently completed an on-site audit of the Diocese’s child protection policies, procedures and records.

In a July 13, 2026, letter addressed to the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, StoneBridge reported that the Diocese was found compliant with all audited Articles within the Charter for the audit period of July 1, 2023, through March 31, 2026.

According to StoneBridge, the conclusions regarding the Diocese’s compliance were based on inquiry, observation and the review of specifically requested documentation provided during the course of the audit.

The audit examined the Diocese’s protocols related to training, reporting and maintaining safe environments for children and young people in accordance with the requirements of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

The Diocese of Scranton has remained in compliance with the USCCB’s child protection requirements through every annual audit since the review process was established following the adoption of the Charter in 2002.

Bishop Bambera said the latest independent review reinforces the Diocese’s ongoing commitment to protecting children and young people.

“We are grateful to StoneBridge Business Partners for its careful review of our child protection efforts and are grateful that the Diocese has been found in compliance with the requirements of the Charter for the last 24 years,” Bishop Bambera said. “As Bishop, I pledge to continue to do all within my power to keep our churches, schools and all Diocesan facilities safe for our children and for all our people to worship, pray, learn and grow in their faith.”

Diocesan Safe Environment Coordinator Addie Rocco added that the audit results confirm the Diocese of Scranton is following the promises of the Charter.

“As a mother of four daughters and a former member of law enforcement, I understand how important our safety measures are and that education on reporting and looking for warning signs of behaviors can help to stop abuse before it starts,” Rocco stated. “Ensuring safety is a team sport. If you see something, say something. Be present, be aware, ask questions and get involved.”

The Diocese of Scranton’s Safe Environment Office oversees the implementation of the Diocese’s child protection policies and works with parishes, schools and other Diocesan entities to ensure that required training, background checks, reporting procedures and safe environment protocols remain in place.

The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, enacted by the USCCB in 2002, requires dioceses to establish programs for the prevention of child sexual abuse, the reporting of allegations and the creation of safe environments for children and young people. Every U.S. diocese undergoes an annual audit to determine compliance with the provisions of the Charter.

For more information about the Diocese of Scranton’s Safe Environment Program and its policies and protocols, visit dioceseofscranton.org.

To report sexual abuse by a member of the clergy, an employee or volunteer of the Catholic Church, contact your local police department or county District Attorney and Mary Beth Pacuska, victim assistance coordinator for the Diocese of Scranton, at (570) 862-7551.

To report sexual misconduct by a bishop or eparch, contact the national reporting website at ReportBishopAbuse.org or call 1-800-276-1562.

The Diocese of Scranton remains committed to supporting survivors of sexual abuse and to taking every appropriate measure to prevent abuse and protect children and young people within the Church.