Reporting abuse allegations within the Diocese of Saint Petersburg involves specific reporting channels overseen by diocesan officials and state authorities, according to procedural guidelines published by the diocese. The process includes designated hotlines for law enforcement, state child and family services, and diocesan victim assistance coordinators.
Immediate Reporting Channels and Emergency Contacts
Individuals who suspect a child or vulnerable adult is in immediate danger should contact local law enforcement at 911 or reach out to the Florida Abuse Hotline operated by the Department of Children and Families at 1-800-962-2873, or file a report online via the Florida Department of Children and Families website.
Reporting Abuse Involving Church Personnel in the Diocese
To report abuse or misconduct involving clergy, church employees, volunteers, contractors, or vendors within the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, reports can be directed to the diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator, John Lambert, L.C.S.W. The Victim Assistance Hotline can be reached at 1-866-407-4505, or via email at jl@dosp.org. Diocesan guidelines request that individuals include their first and last name, contact details, and preferred contact method.
Reports may also be submitted in writing directly to Bishop Gregory L. Parkes at P.O. Box 40200, St. Petersburg, FL 33743. Envelopes containing these communications should be clearly marked “CONFIDENTIAL– FOR THE BISHOP ONLY.”
Reporting Misconduct Involving a Bishop
Allegations of abuse or sexual misconduct involving a bishop, or reports regarding interference in sexual abuse investigations by bishops in the United States, are handled through the Catholic Bishop Reporting Service website.
Support Services and Pastoral Outreach
The Diocese of Saint Petersburg provides support services for victims regardless of where the abuse occurred, even if the incident took place in another diocese and the individual currently resides within the Diocese of Saint Petersburg. John Lambert, L.C.S.W., assists individuals in bringing concerns to church officials in the jurisdiction where the incident happened.
Available support measures provided by the diocese include:
- Assistance and accompaniment through the reporting process.
- Information regarding counseling and/or individual therapy options.
- Spiritual healing resources, including connection with a spiritual companion or a healing group.
The U.S. also Conference of Catholic Bishops provides a downloadable resource titled “A Prayer for Healing” in both English and Spanish for individuals seeking spiritual support.