Safeguarding our communities with Ethics & Integrity in Ministry
Within the Diocese of Austin, the Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) Office leads our ongoing commitment to creating safe, nurturing environments for children, youth and vulnerable adults. While safe-environment formation focuses primarily on preventing sexual abuse, the skills and awareness it provides help us recognize, report and prevent all forms of abuse. This shared responsibility strengthens the health and holiness of our entire diocesan family.
Within the Diocese of Austin, the Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) Office leads our ongoing commitment to creating safe, nurturing environments for children, youth and vulnerable adults. While safe-environment formation focuses primarily on preventing sexual abuse, the skills and awareness it provides help us recognize, report and prevent all forms of abuse. This shared responsibility strengthens the health and holiness of our entire diocesan family.
Since its founding in 2001, the EIM Office has worked diligently to build strong, consistent practices for protecting minors and vulnerable adults. In 2022, the diocese began partnering with VIRTUS.org to provide safe-environment training for both adults and children. Empowering God’s Children offers age-appropriate lessons that help children understand personal boundaries and safety rules, while Protecting God’s Children equips adults to recognize concerning behavior and respond appropriately. Together, these programs support our shared mission of safeguarding those entrusted to our care.
Each year the Diocese of Austin undergoes an external audit conducted by StoneBridge Business Partners, an independent firm hired by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). This annual review examines training completion data, background check compliance, participation in children’s programs and any allegations of abuse involving clergy from the previous audit year. These audits strengthen our commitment to transparency and continual improvement, helping us identify gaps and reinforce areas of success.
For the most recent audit year, July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, the Diocese of Austin was found to be in full compliance with the USCCB’s Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
This month we will welcome StoneBridge auditors to Austin for our in-person diocesan audit, which occurs every three years. These on-site visits offer valued opportunities for deeper learning, practical feedback and continued growth as we serve and protect the most vulnerable among us.
April is also National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a reminder that safeguarding is not the work of one office alone. Often, a caring individual in the community is the first to notice when a child or vulnerable adult shows signs of distress. The more people who are prepared to recognize and confidently report unsafe behavior, the safer our parishes, schools, and ministries will be. Please take a few moments to learn more about the signs of abuse and educate yourself on how to report abuse when you see it.
Helpful Links
- For more information on reporting abuse in the Diocese of Austin, visit www.austindiocese.org/report-abuse.
- For the EIM policies and procedures of the Diocese of Austin, visit www.austindiocese.org/eim-policies.
- For information regarding your EIM account, visit www.austindiocese.org/eim-instructions.
- Additional resources can be found at www.austindiocese.org/resources-information.
Abby Turner is director of Ethics and Integrity in Ministry for the Diocese of Austin. She studied allied health and psychology at Texas A&M University. She can be reached at eim@austindiocese.org or (512) 949-2447.
