By S.L. Hansen
for the Register
In a letter dated Nov. 21, Bishop James Conley was notified by an independent auditor, StoneBridge Business Partners, that the Diocese of Lincoln was “found compliant with all audited Articles within the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People for the audit period of July 1, 2021 through September 30, 2024.”
This good news is the result of the diocese’s policies and procedures and the efforts of everyone who wants parishes, schools and other institutions to be safe places for children, youth and vulnerable adults.
StoneBridge Business Partners conducts an audit electronically every year, but every third year, an auditor visits the diocese for an intensive in-person audit of all procedures. The auditor’s role is to verify that the diocese is following the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. StoneBridge, which specializes in compliance audits for business and other organizations, was selected by the USCCB.
“They review information that shows we have given everyone interacting with youth a background check and safe environment training,” explained Jeff Hohlen, safe environment director and victims assistance coordinator for the Diocese of Lincoln. “Each of our parishes and schools play an important role in following the USCCB guidelines.”
An example of this is the safe environment certification that the diocese requires annually of all clergy, religious, teachers, support staff and others who may have one-on-one contact with children. Next month and each ensuing January, each of these people will renew their safe environment certification by watching a training video and answering follow-up questions.
This annual training defines and reminds what qualifies as acceptable interaction with youth. It’s a crucial part of maintaining the highest standard of protection.
Every adult in the diocese has a role in the protection of children, even if he or she isn’t working or volunteering in a capacity that requires certification. The grandparent attending a school event or average Joe attending Mass is just as obligated to report anything untoward as the people who are certified.
“I need everyone’s eyes watching and protecting our youth,” Hohlen stressed. “With everyone watching our youth, it is much less likely that unacceptable interaction with children will happen.”
Hohlen said there is no need to attempt to acquire undeniable proof before making a report.
“Anything that causes you to be uncomfortable should be reported to myself or school or parish administrations,” he stated. “If the conduct amounts to child abuse or neglect, it should be reported to the DHHS child abuse hotline or to local law enforcement.”
This system of protection only works, he said, if every adult in the diocese remains vigilant and reports any concerns involving youth or involving misconduct on the part of diocesan personnel.
Anyone who is suspicious of child abuse or neglect should call the Nebraska Adult & Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline at 1-800-652-1999. To report a concern directly to Jeff Hohlen, call 402-314-2899 or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For victim’s assistance, send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The diocese’s safe environment policies are published on the website and can be viewed at www.lincolndiocese.org/safe-environment/policies.
