Sheraton Sand Key

May 11-14, 2025

“Let the Son Shine Down”

We look forward to you joining us May 11-14, 2025

The Annual Child and Youth Protection Catholic Leadership Conference will take place in beautiful Clearwater Beach, Florida, in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg.

Join us!

Speakers

Archbishop Charles Scicluna

Mary Rice Hasson

Father Hans Zollner, SJ

Paul Malley

Dr. Mitch Javidi

Sara LaChance

Paul Ashton

Click here to view the full list of speakers and their bios.

Schedule

Sunday, May 11

11AM – 6 PM Check in

12 PM – 4 PM New VAC and SEC Orientation Sessions

5 PM Mass

6 PM – 9 PM Welcome Reception (poolside)

Monday, May 12

7:30 AM Mass

7:30 AM – 9:00 AM Breakfast

9:00 AM Opening remarks/prayer

9:15 AM CPYP Chair and NRB/USCCB Secretariat for Child and Youth Protection

10:30 AM Break

10:45 AM Session 1 with Cardinal O’Malley

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Lunch

2:00 PM Session 2 with Rev. Hans Zollner

3:15 PM Break

3:30 PM Session 3 with Mary Hasson

4:30 PM Dinner on your own

Optional excursions:

  • Dolphin Cruise
  • Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise (up to 125 people)
Tuesday, May 13

7:30 AM Mass

7:30 AM – 9:30 AM Breakfast

9:00 AM Session 4 with Dr. Mitch Javidi

10:30 AM Break

10:45 AM Session 5 with Mr. Paul Malley

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Lunch

2:00 PM Session 6 with Mr. Billy Sasser

3:30 PM Break

4:15 PM Fingerprint Panel

5:00 PM – 9:00 PM Closing Dinner (beach/sunset dinner)

Wednesday, May 14

7:30 AM – 9:00 AM Breakfast

9:00 AM Mass followed by FBI Missing Children

10:30 AM Break

10:45 AM Session 7 with Charter Revisions

11:45 AM 2026 CYPCLC Presentation

12:00 PM Closing remarks/prayer

12:15 PM Boxed lunch/depart

Click here to view a pdf version of the schedule.

Scholarship Opportunities

Thank you to the USCCB Subcommittee on Catholic Home Missions for once again providing scholarships to those serving in mission-funded dioceses and eparchies.  Please contact Kevin Day, Director at kday@usccb.org by November 1, 2024, to be considered.

We look forward to welcoming you to St. Petersburg/Clearwater!  

St. Joseph the Protector Award

The Saint Joseph the Protector Award will be given to one individual who has made a significant impact in support of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.  Priority will be given to someone who has been employed by or contracted with their local (arch)diocese/eparchy in the area of Safe Environment, Victim Assistance, or Child Protection.  All nominees will be considered but preference will be given to someone working on the front lines to support survivors of abuse and/or to prevent abuse through safe environment activities within their diocese.  All nominees will be listed in the conference program and the Award will be presented during the Tuesday evening dinner event.

Sponsors

Thank you for your contribution as a sponsor! You help make this event possible!

Diamond Sponsors

Knights of Columbus is a global Catholic fraternal service order founded on the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism.

Selection.com is one of the nation’s leading providers of pre-employment background screening services.

Platinum Sponsors

Biometric Information Management specializes in fingerprinting services and other biometric services – for businesses, nonprofits, government institutions and individuals.

Bchex – a BIB Company is a nationally recognized full-service screening provider, specializing in innovative background check, verification, validation and drug testing solutions. 

Bronze Sponsors

Catholic Mutual Group is a recognized leader in property and liability coverage and in development of risk management procedures for Catholic Church properties.

Sponsors

Virtus training programs aim to educate and empower everyone (individually and collectively) to ensure optimal safe environments for children and the vulnerable.

Click here to contact us about becoming a sponsor.

Dioceses in Florida

Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahasee

Archdiocese of Miami

Diocese of Orlando

If you have questions about the event, please contact the Safe Environment Office at 727-344-1611 or email 2025cypclc@dosp.org.

Travel

St. Petersburg/Clearwater Airport (PIE) – 12.2 Miles from Conference*

Tampa International Airport (TPA) – 22.3 Miles from Conference*

American

Delta

Frontier

Southwest

Spirit

United

*Please note, the hotel does not have a shuttle service from airports so arrangements will need to be made to rent a car or use rideshare services such as a taxi or Uber/Lyft.

Sheraton Sand Key, Clearwater Beach, Florida

1160 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater Beach, Florida 33767

Hotel Map

FAQ

What is the cost?

The cost for the conference is $450 (does not include hotel stay).

How do I register?

Click the “Register Now” button at the top of the page.

Who are the speakers?

Speakers are listed above.

Where will this be held?

May 11-14 at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort in Clearwater Beach, FL

1160 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater Beach, Florida 33767

What are the accommodations for those with handicaps?

There are handicap parking spaces in the parking lot and the hotel has handicap accessible rooms. Please contact us with more specific questions.

What is the dress code?

Business casual