The Diocese of Shreveport Maintains
Safe Environment
Through training, background checks, and communications through our diocese we can help protect those we hold most precious, our young people. It was through the 17 articles in the “Charter For the Protection of Youth and Young People” established by the USCCB which came into being over 20 years ago to help protect all those who can be most vulnerable, we have direction and instruction on doing this very thing. For all those who contribute to their parish collections, the Diocesan Stewardship Appeal as well as those who serve and volunteer with safe environment thank you for assisting in protecting our young people.
Statement from our Safe Environment Coordinator
The Diocese is in full compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The Charter was developed by an Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual Abuse of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). It was approved by the full body of U.S. Catholic Bishops in June 2002 and published in July 2002 then a revision which was completed in 2005, 2012 and 2019. The Diocese of Shreveport’s Diocesan Policy Concerning Sexual Abuse of Minors by Clerics, Employees or Commissioned Volunteers has also been revised as of June 2024 and can be found on this website.
A national audit firm has been contracted to conduct audits at all dioceses/eparchies nationwide. Auditors could spend several days in the Diocese of Shreveport interviewing various people and reviewing policies and records. They also will be visiting a handful of parishes for further evaluation.
Audit results can include instructions, which are items that must be brought into compliance or recommendations, which are items that are suggestions for improving the program. Our audit could result in instructions and/or recommendations that would be quickly implemented.
We are proud of the fact that we are in compliance with the Charter but also we want to keep in the forefront of our minds that the goal of the Charter and our compliance with each of the articles contained therein is to prevent child sexual abuse. Please help keep the awareness alive. Thank you to everyone who have been trained in Protecting God’s Children, complied with the background check processes, and participate in our online continuing education with Virtus© as part of our compliance efforts.
May God continue to bless our efforts, to keep the most vulnerable safe.
Kylie Black
Safe Environment Coordinator
318-868-4441 ex. 288
Virtus: Protecting God's Children
VIRTUS Online is a comprehensive training and compliance platform developed by The National Catholic Risk Retention Group, Inc., aimed at preventing child sexual abuse and fostering safe environments within Catholic institutions and other organizations. Established in 1998, the VIRTUS programs have trained over 6 million adults and millions of youth across more than 80 dioceses in the United States .
Forms & Policies
Local Safe Environment Coordinators
Joe Bulger
Sr. Ann Middlebrooks
Deacon Ricardo Rivera
Gwen Youngblood
Marilyn McGary
Jacquelyne Bierwith
Barbara Moran
Jennifer Patterson
Cathy Wise
Sharon Chaney
Hannah McCarty
Kendell Martinez
Edie Gowen
Kimberly Vereen
Leslie Conger
Lisa Brint
Malissa Carroll
Laura Skeen
Susan Lanier
Luci Parrie
Sondralyn Durham
Kathy Allen
Kim Long
Jeanine Patton
Swapna John
Alison Tatum
Celeste Powell
Melinda Bryan
Emily Pitre
Jamie Humphrey
Bridgette Tannehill
Jessica Dixon
Malissa Carroll
Jennifer Patterson
Ashlan Mouser
Susan Lanier
Reporting Abuse
The Diocese of Shreveport remains steadfast in its commitment to protect children, youth, and vulnerable adults. If you suspect abuse or misconduct involving a cleric, employee, or commissioned volunteer of the Diocese, we urge you to report it immediately. Every report is taken seriously and will be handled with compassion and confidentiality. Our diocesan policies and procedures, in accordance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, are designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and justice.
The safety of those entrusted to our care is not only a legal responsibility but a moral one rooted in our faith. We are deeply grateful to all who contribute to this mission through vigilance, training, and ongoing dedication. Together, we continue working to foster a safe and sacred environment where all can grow in faith and trust.