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If you would like to issue a complaint alleging sexual abuse of a child, please click here. The completed form should be sent to Joel Melarvie, Chancellor, Diocese of Bismarck, P.O. Box 1575, Bismarck, ND 58502, or call toll-free 1-877-405-7435 or 1-701-223-1347.
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The Diocese of Bismarck maintains a Code of Pastoral Conduct for its pastors and spiritual directors.
You are encouraged to become familiar with the code by clicking here.
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The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) adopted the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in response to the reports of sexual abuse of children and young people by some priests and bishops.
You are invited to read the charter and become familiar with its provisions. If you have any questions, please contact Joel Melarvie, Chancellor, Diocese of Bismarck at jmelarvie@bismarckdiocese.com
Developed around the USCCB's Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the Diocese of Bismarck's Safe Environment Program is intended to provide a safe environment for children and young people who participate in Church-related activities.
You will find valuable aids on the diocesan website including educational materials appropriate for adults and youth plus links to resources for age-appropriate materials for children. Other information includes diocesan guidelines for youth chaperones and supervisors, code of pastoral conduct for clerics serving in the diocese, North Dakota laws for reporting known or suspected cases of child abuse and a complaint form on which an allegation of abuse can be reported to
civil and Church authorities.
Allegations of abuse should first be reported to the social services agency, Child Protection Services Department, in which the abuse is alleged to have occurred. Not only is the form on this website downloadbable, you will also find a form readily available at your local parish office.
Please make special note of the laws of the State of North Dakota as they relate to the reporting of suspected cases of child abuse.
Click on laws of North Dakota to familiarize yourself with the laws.
When completed with reading the on-line training materials please click on the form below to receive a printable certificaion form of on-line training. Sign and return the form to your school or parish office for filing.
Protection of children should be everybody's concern. Please become familiar with the information on this website. Help protect our children.
Questions or comments regarding the information on this page should be directed to Joel Melarvie, Chancellor, Diocese of Bismarck at 701-223-1347 or through Email at: jmelarvie@bismarckdiocese.com.
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If you would like information on informational presentations on child abuse for your parish, please contact Joel Melarvie, Chancellor, Diocese of Bismarck, 420 Raymond Street, Bismarck, ND 58502-1575
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Protecting children is everybody's business
The Diocese of Bismarck, like all dioceses in the United States, is required to cooperate with parents, civil authorities, educators, and community organizations to provide education and training for children, youth, parents, ministers, educators, and others about ways to make and maintain a safe environment for children.
Education and training programs are made available through local parishes and schools in the Diocese of Bismarck for adults and youth. Age-appropriate materials and / or resources are also available for children.
The prevention of child abuse is everybody's business. Please do your part to help protect our children.
On-line education & training aids available
All professional and volunteer staff and parish employees who are in regular and direct contact with minors, including those of Catholic schools, are mandated to participate in an educational / training program for the prevention of child abuse.
The Diocese of Bismarck makes this training available on-line through the materials contained on this website. Those wishing to take advantage of the on-line training need simply to read the information found on this section of the website and then complete the certification form.
Please make special note of the laws of the State of North Dakota as they relate to the reporting of suspected cases of child abuse.
Click on laws of North Dakota to familiarize yourself with the laws.
When completed with reading the on-line training materials please click on the form below to receive a printable certificaion form of on-line training. Sign and return the form to your school or parish office for filing.
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Known or suspected allegations of child abuse must first be reported to the civil authorities. Complaints should be reported to the social services agency, Child Protective Services Department, in the county in which the abuse is alleged to have occured.
Your local parish also has available the form on which allegations of abuse can be reported or you can download the form here for reporting a complaint of known or suspected abuse.
Anyone who has been a victim of clerical sexual abuse or who may know of or suspect abuse should also contact the victim assistance coordinator, Joel Melarvie, Chancellor, Diocese of Bismarck, Bismarck, North Dakota at 701-223-1347. All reports will be dealt with in a confidential manner.
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The official site of the Diocese of Bismarck, North Dakota
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