Strengthening Safeguarding Systems through Training and Child-Centered Pastoral Care

Abstract: In response to Pope Francis’ call to make the Church a “safe home,” the Diocese of Bayeux-Lisieux organized a diocesan training on safeguarding and child protection on 31 January 2026 in Lisieux. The training aimed to institutionalize robust safeguarding systems within the diocese by enhancing pastoral actors’ competencies in child protection, strengthening their knowledge of reporting obligations, and fostering a shared culture of vigilance, transparency, and child-centered pastoral care grounded in the Church’s mission to provide safe environments for minors. A mixed-methods design assessed the training’s impact. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 60 participants - including catechists, chaplaincy leaders, school pastoral animators, and altar-server coordinators - measuring knowledge, attitudes, and perceived competence. Qualitative insights emerged from facilitated group discussions using small-group reflection, case-study analysis and plenary synthesis. Participants evaluated safeguarding principles, reporting procedures, and pastoral postures inspired by Christ’s educational example. Results showed that 92% of participants improved understanding of legal reporting duties, 88% reported greater confidence in recognizing signs of abuse, 85% valued collaborative vigilance, and 100% endorsed the diocesan safeguarding charter. Qualitative findings highlighted increased awareness of listening to children, peer accountability, and clearer procedural knowledge. This training demonstrates that structured pastoral formation, combining doctrinal reflection with experiential and empirical methods, effectively cultivates a protective culture in faith-based communities, reinforcing institutional responsibility and promoting safer environments for minors.