Abuse of Minors or Vulnerable Adults by Priests, Deacons or Others
To report allegations of sexual abuse of minors or vulnerable adults within the Diocese of Gaylord by priests, deacons or other employees or volunteers, regardless of when it occurred, individuals should:
- Contact local law enforcement, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (855.444.3911), or the Michigan Department of Attorney General (844-324-3374).
- Contact the Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator, Larry LaCross, at 989-705-9010.
In the State of Michigan many professionals, including clergy, teachers, doctors, counselors, and named others are mandated reporters. This means such individuals are REQUIRED to make an oral or online report IMMEDIATELY to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services if they suspect a child is being neglected or abused in any way. Individuals may call the State report line at the number above, which is answered twenty-four (24) hours a day or submit a report online at DHS3200_report.dot (live.com). There may be significant penalties for mandated reporters who fail to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Even if individuals are not mandated reporters, the Diocese of Gaylord encourages ANYONE who has reason to suspect a child is being abused or neglected in any way to report the matter to local authorities. More information can be found at Reporting Process (michigan.gov).
The Michigan Attorney General’s office has also set up a special phone line for people to share information that may be of help in their ongoing investigation of sexual misconduct by Catholic clergy. That number, again, is 844-324-3374.
Michigan Dept. Health and Human Services Child Abuse Report Form
Abuse of Minors or Vulnerable Persons by Bishops, Cardinals, Patriarchs or Legates
To report allegations of sexual abuse of minors or other vulnerable persons within the Diocese of Gaylord by a Bishop, Cardinal, Patriarch or Legate, regardless of when it occurred, individuals should:
- Contact local law enforcement, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (855.444.3911), or the Michigan Department of Attorney General (844-324-3374).
- Make a report through the third-party Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting service (CBAR) at their website or 800.276.1562. This reporting service was established to receive reports of sexual abuse and related misconduct by bishops, and to relay those reports to proper civil and Church authorities for investigation. For further resources regarding the CBAR, please click the following link: Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service (CBAR) Resources.
Please note that if you have any other kind of complaint about a bishop—such as parish assignments, church closings, or homily contents—please express those directly to the Diocese of Gaylord (989-732-147).
To report sexual abuse by a priest, deacon, staff member or volunteer of the Church, please see information above.
