Making a Report

To report allegations of sexual abuse of minors or vulnerable adults within the Diocese of Kalamazoo by priests, deacons or other employees or volunteers, regardless of when it occurred, individuals should: 

Contact local law enforcement or the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services at 855.444.3911

The Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service (CBAR) has been established to receive reports of sexual abuse and related misconduct by bishops and to relay those reports to proper Church authorities for investigation. To make a report, visit ReportBishopAbuse.org or phone (800) 276-1562. When a report includes a crime, such as the sexual abuse of a minor, it will also be reported to civil authorities. Otherwise, reports will be kept confidential.
Reports of sexual misconduct by other Church personnel—priests, deacons, laypersons—should be reported in using the means described in the above sections.

In accordance with section (3) of MCL 722.623 - the Child Protection Law – teachers, clergy, therapists & counselors, school administrators, medical professionals and many more are required to report suspected child abuse and/or neglect as mandated reporters.

Michigan Child Protection Law requires mandated reporters who have reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect to make an immediate oral report to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) – Centralized Intake (855-444- 3911), followed by a written report within 72 hours OR create a report through the Michigan Online Reporting System (MORS). A written report is not required if MORS was utilized to address the alleged abuse/neglect.

The reporter is not expected to investigate the matter, know the legal definitions of child abuse and neglect or even know the name of the perpetrator, but the law does require reporting abuse within 72 hours. Investigations are confidential and thus it is appropriate to err on the side of children’s safety, which means immediately reporting suspected abuse and then proceeding with the investigation and request for additional information. The Child Protection Law is intended to make reporting simple and places responsibility for determining appropriate action with the Children’s Protective Services (CPS) division of MDHHS.

Notifying parents/guardians, school administrators or other individuals of authority is not adequate fulfillment of mandatory reporting requirements.