Parents ask diocese to reconsider 'Good Touch/Bad Touch' program

Published: 2004-01-21

MANASSAS, Va. (CNS) -- More than 200 parents turned out for an informational session sponsored by the Arlington Diocese to express their concerns about a safe-environment curriculum proposed for use in the diocese to prevent sexual abuse of children. Catherine Nolan, director of the diocese's Office for Child Protection and Safety, and her assistant, Jennifer Alvaro, hosted the recent four-hour meeting at All Saints Church in Manassas. It was the second session for parents interested in learning more about the proposed safe environment program, a Catholic adaptation of the "Good Touch/Bad Touch" program. Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde is considering adopting a Catholic derivative of the "Good Touch/Bad Touch" program to meet article 12 of the U.S. bishops' "Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People," which requires that dioceses implement programs to protect children and young people from sex abuse. With two exceptions, those in attendance at the Manassas meeting were dissatisfied with the diocese's proposed program and offered suggestions for alternatives.

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