Dioceses boost abuse prevention efforts

WASHINGTON, March 14 (UPI) -- U.S. Catholic dioceses spent more than $23 million last year to prevent child sexual abuse by clergy, a $2 million increase over 2007, a church report says.

A report by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops also found that virtually all U.S. dioceses are compliant with a plan to prevent sex abuse by its clergy.

Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, said the bishops hope that with child abuse protection activities "new ways are being found to improve not only the safety of children in the care of the church, but also the safety of all children in society."

The report said more than 99 percent of those required to participate in safe environment training programs did so and more than 98 percent of volunteers underwent background checks.

In 2008, the report said 620 victims made 625 allegations against 423 offenders. Most incidents took place decades ago, most frequently in the 1970-74 period.

The report said most of the victims were male and more than half were between the ages of 10 and 14.