This child protection policy builds on a 1986 policy issued by the Archdiocese of Washington that was updated in 1993, 1999, 2003 and 2007. It is responsive to our concern for children and to the provisions contained in the revised Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and the Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons initially approved by the full body of U.S. Catholic bishops at its November 2002 General Meeting, with revisions approved at its June 2005 and June 2011 General Meetings.