Diocese of Buffalo achieves 3rd consecutive clean audit of child protection & compliance programs

Diocese of Buffalo press release 

The Diocese of Buffalo has achieved a clean audit for the third consecutive year, demonstrating full compliance with its policies and procedures for the protection of children, young people, and vulnerable adults; its priest supervision program; its code of conduct for personnel; and with respect to all 29 commitments outlined in the stipulated final order (SFO), a condition of the diocese’s 2022 settlement with the New York State attorney general.

The full audit, covering the period from Dec. 3, 2024 to Dec. 2, 2025, can be accessed here.

Following a thorough, independent and transparent review, the auditor (representing the firm Kinsale Management Consulting), determined the diocese remains in full compliance with each of the SFO's 29 commitments. The audit further confirmed the diocese has established and maintained effective internal controls, supported by appropriate oversight, management and personnel, to ensure ongoing compliance across all aspects of its child protection and accountability programs.

The auditor's review examined the diocese's procedures from the receipt of an allegation of abuse through reporting to civil authorities, investigation and review of complaints by the independent review board, priest assignments and transfers, and administration of the diocese's priest supervision program.

In a letter accompanying the audit report, the Most Rev. Michael W. Fisher noted the auditor found the diocese had fully cooperated throughout the process and imposed no limitations on the independent review.

"The diocese provided all of the information, pertinent documents, and access to all personnel necessary to conduct the audit," Bishop Fisher said. "The auditor and independent audit team were able to independently examine every aspect of our compliance efforts and again confirmed that the diocese is meeting each of the commitments required under the stipulated final order."

The audit included interviews with diocesan personnel responsible for implementing and overseeing child protection policies and procedures, as well as the chairperson of the independent review board. The auditor's findings recognized the continued diligence and professionalism of those entrusted with safeguarding children and vulnerable adults throughout the diocese.

Among those whose work contributed to the successful audit were members of the independent review board and its chairman, the safe environment coordinator, the victim assistance coordinator, the child protection policy coordinator, the diocese's vicar for clergy, and the monitor of the priest supervision program.

"The results of this audit reflect the unwavering commitment of many dedicated individuals who work every day to ensure the safety of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, while promoting accountability, transparency, and trust throughout our diocese," Fisher said.

The Diocese of Buffalo remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of protection, oversight and accountability, and will continue to strengthen its efforts to ensure a safe environment for all those it serves.