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_WORLD WATCH______________________________
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England ________________
Non-Catholic supervision
Committee to end child abuse
The Catholic Church in England and Wales has appointed a non-Catholic social worker to lead a new national organization to stamp out sex abuse. Eileen Shearer, who has a 25-year career in children’s services, will head the Catholic Office for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults (COPCA), based in Birmingham.
Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Birmingham, COPCA’s chairman, said: “This appointment is a demonstration of our commitment to take a serious and conscientious approach to the children in our care.” He continued, “Eileen Shearer is a leading professional in her field and brings with her a valuable experience and the highest credentials. Nobody should be in any doubt that we intend to continue the work we have already done in conjunction with the existing high-quality child protection professionals in the Catholic Church.”
Shearer’s role will focus on raising awareness throughout the Church of sex abuse, selection procedures, and training standards for staff and volunteers, and responding to allegations of abuse.