Children living with disabilities have long been recognized to be at higher risk for experiencing various forms of child maltreatment and other forms of victimization. Now, emerging research shows that specific types of disabilities are associated with different forms of maltreatment and victimization. We all share the aspiration to prevent child maltreatment and victimization among all children before any harm takes place. To aid us in this mission, we need to be aware of special vulnerabilities that place children living with disabilities at higher risk, so that we can increase the safety of all children within our care.

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection has released the 2023 Annual Report – Findings and Recommendations on the Implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The report is based on the audit findings of StoneBridge Business Partners, a specialty consulting firm headquartered in Rochester, New York, which provides forensic, internal, and compliance audit services to leading organizations nationwide. A survey conducted by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) regarding allegations of abuse of minors and costs is also included as a part of the report.