The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' 2023 annual report on child and youth protection revealed a decline in abuse allegations and asserted the importance of health and safety protocols.

Data for the report came from audits conducted by StoneBridge Business Partners, a Rochester, New York-based consulting firm that provides forensic and compliance services to a range of organisations. The report also included a 2023 survey by the Centre for Applied Research in the Apostolate on allegations and costs related to the abuse of minors.

Results found "more than a 51 per cent drop in historical allegations from those reported in the same period last year."

The Union of Catholic Asian News reported that another milestone from the study was "the full participation of all 196 dioceses and eparchies in the Charter audit, a 100 per cent response rate that was unprecedented".

Of those, 28 were visited on-site by StoneBridge, with another 17 audited remotely by the firm and 131 other dioceses and eparchies submitting data for the report.

Suzanne Healy, chairwoman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' National Review Board, cautioned against complacency: "Even as we move forward with progress...we must remain vigilant. One new allegation is one too many."

The report also discussed challenges in maintaining review boards and compliance with safe environment programmes: "Without monitoring implementation at the parish level, the risk of abuse increases" it stated.

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio reflected on the journey of abuse survivors: "Theirs is a lifelong journey and the mission of the church is a lifelong commitment to accompany them on this healing journey...to minister, even to those who believe they have lost God along the way and left the church."