The Diocese of Grand Rapids is observing Child Abuse Prevention Month by offering resources to learn more about the diocese's and the Church's efforts to prevent child abuse.

"The Catholic Church is committed to protecting children and adults from harm through its safe environment program," the diocese posted on Facebook Wednesday. "Visit our website to learn more including how to report abuse, to register for safe environment training, and about the USCCB's Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, established 20 years ago this June." 

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Protection of Children & Young People Committee provides resources for parishes, conducts diocesan audits, and supports the National Review Board and Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People.

As April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, it is dedicated to raising awareness about child abuse and helping increase community collaboration in its prevention, a release on ChildWelfare.gov said.

Pope Francis has addressed the issue publicly, most recently during the "Promoting child safeguarding in the time of COVID-19 and beyond" conference in Rome last November, a release on Vatican.va said.

The pope used the opportunity to lament the occasions when Catholic adults have failed to protect the children under their care, speaking of the "pain and shame of not having always been good guardians, protecting the minors entrusted to us," the release said.

He also reminded Catholics to focus on putting an end to abuse in all its forms. 

"May they be promoters and custodians of a renewed educational alliance between the generations and between the different contexts in which minors grow up, capable of stimulating between them a generative and protective connection, especially in this complex time of the pandemic," the pope said, referring to adults entrusted with the care of children.