Cáritas of Latin America and the Caribbean carried out the Seminar on Deepening and Good Practices in Safeguarding on October 22 and 23, bringing together more than a hundred participants virtually. This meeting, framed in the #ICompromise campaign, sought to consolidate the culture of care as a fundamental pillar of the Church, with the aim of preventing abuse, accompanying victims and survivors, and building safer and more trustworthy communities.

First Conference: technical approach and safe reporting mechanisms

The opening of the seminar focused on safe reporting mechanisms, with the guidance of Rosario Letelier from Cáritas Chile and regional reference for Institutional Development. It was highlighted that an effective reporting channel transcends mere formality, requiring a solid organizational culture of listening, confidentiality, accessibility and accountability.

At work tables, the teams exchanged experiences and weaknesses, culminating in the development of a practical decalogue that will serve as a roadmap to strengthen these mechanisms in the region.

Second day: pastoral inspiration and a "Church that cares"

The second day, of a pastoral nature and sharing, was developed under the panel “A Church that cares”. Hyde Constantine-Felix, from Cáritas Antillas, highlighted the importance of accompanying young volunteers from safeguarding. For his part, the bishop of Rawson (Argentina), Mons. Roberto Álvarez emphasized that safeguarding is an intrinsic demand of the Gospel and a responsibility of the entire Church. The panel was completed with the intervention of Juan Carlos Oviedo, from Costa Rica, who shared the valuable experience of the laity in the implementation of parish protocols.

The experts agreed on the need to provide the safeguard with transversal budgets, continuous formation processes and an unwavering commitment to transparency. All of this, rooted in the spiritual mission of Cáritas: to defend the dignity of each person and eradicate all types of abuse.

Learnings and next steps

The meeting concluded by reaffirming that abuses do not usually occur in isolation, but in association with other dynamics of power, conscience or resources, which requires strengthening transparency and accountability. Among the common challenges identified, the need to strengthen suitable profiles, overcome resource limitations and keep community motivation alive stands out.

As a continuation of this process, the coordinator of Institutional Strengthening, Ana Mercedes Arias Pimentel announced the publication, in November, of the Second Bulletin of the Regional Safeguarding Community, which will compile testimonies, resources and good practices. Looking ahead to 2026, Cáritas will continue with specific training in Safeguarding, both at a basic and specialized level, along with new regional spaces for listening, dialogue and training.

Cáritas Latin America and the Caribbean thus reaffirms its commitment to walk together for a Church that cares, heals and protects, always prioritizing the dignity of people, especially children, adolescents and vulnerable adults.