Safe Environment Weekly Update – 4/18/2022

Did you know… Child abuse comes in many forms. Most people only identify child abuse as physically hitting a child. Neglect is also a form of abuse. Failing to provide a child with proper nutrition, education, housing and supervision can cause irreparable harm. Expectations that a child be an active participant in the care of home and family, or even age-appropriate jobs is a part of healthy development. But excessive demands can cross into a form of servitude that is beyond the societal norms. Neglect is a form of abuse and it must be reported to the police and to the CT Department of Children and Family Services Care-line 1.800.842.2288. If you are not a Mandated Reporter, you can report anonymously.

To report abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult or an incident of child pornography in the Diocese of Bridgeport involving any person from the Church, call DCF at: 1.800.842.2288 and Erin Neil, L.C.S.W. at: 203.650.3265 or Michael Tintrup L.C.S.W. at: 203.241.0987. You may also contact a Third-Party reporting hotline at: www.lighthouse-services.com/diobpt or call: 833.990.0004or fill out a written report of abuse or neglect at the following link: www.bridgeportdiocese.org/safe-environments/incident-report-of-an-allegation-of-abuse-or-misconduct.