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	Joliet Diocese Is Found in " Full Compliance" of Charter Protecting Youth By Kathrynne Skonicki Catholic Explorer December 12, 2007 http://www.catholicexplorer.com/explore4325/atd/joliet-diocese-is-found-in-full-compliance-of-char.shtml ROMEOVILLE—Bishop J. Peter Sartain announced he is "very pleased" that the Joliet Diocese was found in 2007 to be in full compliance of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. This was the fourth audit for the diocese and the fourth time the diocese has been found to be in full compliance—2003, 2004, 2005 and 2007. The Joliet Diocese did not undergo a full-onsite audit in 2006 since it was found to be compliant in 2005, according to Franciscan Sister Judith Davies, who serves as safe environment program coordinator for the diocese. Only 11 archdioceses and dioceses received full on-site audits in 2006 and 18 archdioceses, diocese or eparchies received focused on-site audits in 2006. The audit conducted by the Gavin Group, Inc., confirms, "The concern of the diocese was, has and continues to be keeping children safe," commented Sister Davies, chancellor. She added that the review also serves as a good tool for the diocese to ensure it is keeping up with its pledge to create a safe environment for children. In June 2002, the U.S. bishops approved the charter, a comprehensive set of procedures for addressing allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy and guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability and prevention of future acts of abuse. The charter also contained mandates for an audit and annual report in order to form a two-fold process of accountability for the implementation of the charter in each diocese. Auditors—two former FBI agents—visited the diocese Oct. 22-25 to perform the 2007 review. They met with several people representing various segments of the diocese, such as victims, school officials, clergymen, parishioners and the diocesan victims' assistance coordinator. They also reviewed documentation that confirms the implementation of the charter, such as a testimonial letter from each pastor acknowledging that a safe environment program has been implemented. Bishop Sartain added, "I thank all pastors as well as parish, diocesan staff and volunteers who worked extremely hard to implement every aspect of our safe environment programs." The next audit for the Joliet Diocese is yet to be scheduled. Sister Davies said the USCCB has decided to schedule the full, onsite audits in one-third of the dioceses in 2008, another third of the dioceses in 2009 and the final third in 2010. The time periods of the audits will also be set to coincide with the fiscal year, beginning on July 1 and ending June 30.
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