BishopAccountability.org
	Cleveland Diocese Abuse Policy Comes under Fire By David Briggs Plain Dealer January 4, 2008 http://www.cleveland.com/living/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/living-0/1199439073321570.xml&coll=2 The Cleveland Catholic Diocese has revised its policy on sexual abuse of minors to discourage anonymous tips. In addition, the revised policy calls for diocesan legal officials to direct investigations of non-clergy. The old policy did not specify whether the legal office or individual church agencies would direct the investigation of church workers and volunteers. The diocese says the revised policy also adds less confusing language to encourage greater reporting of abuse and requires parishes and church agencies to show they are complying. But a critic says it returns the church to "the bad old days" of cover-ups. "It is a legalistic document that is meant to cast a veil over their own behavior," said Cleveland lawyer William Crosby, who has represented abuse victims. "This makes me want to weep." Catholic officials said the policy, which took effect Tuesday, was last updated in 2003. Review Board Chairwoman Patricia Ritzert said one significant change was to replace "allegation" of sexual abuse with "report suggesting sexual abuse" of a minor. "Allegation" appeared to suggest to some people that a certain standard had to be met before reporting abuse, she said, while "suggesting sexual abuse" should encourage more people to report inappropriate behavior. Upon request, all parishes and diocesan organizations must supply information to the coordinator of child sexual abuse prevention programs to show they are complying with the revised policy. The policy also reiterates "No person who is known to have sexually abused a minor will be permitted in service or ministry." Advocates for abuse victims say other changes turn back reforms prompted by a national scandal in 2001. The new policy, for example, requires that the legal office be notified of a report of sexual abuse, and that the investigation of suspected abuse by non-clergy "shall take place in coordination with, and directed by" the diocesan office. The independent Review Board monitors investigations of alleged clergy abuse. The policy states the change will allow for "objective supervision." But critics say it is a conflict of interest because the legal department defends the diocese in civil suits. The diocese has paid about $23 million in abuse-related claims through 2006. "One cannot - to use biblical terms - serve two masters," said David Clohessy, spokesman for the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. "Church lawyers can't protect diocesan assets and bishops' reputations while also having a role - any role - in evaluating sexual abuse cases." Crosby said the policy creates "a veil of privilege over anything that is discovered," limiting diocesan liability. Advocates also called outrageous a provision that "strongly discouraged" anonymous reporting. The revised policy said anonymous reports limit the investigative process and call into question the "sincerity" of the report. The diocese will investigate anonymous reports to the extent "reasonable and practicable." Ritzert said the number of anonymous reports before the Review Board has been "very small." Advocates said anonymity is critical to making people feel safe in reporting abuse, particularly given the church's history of attacking victims after they reported abuse and the sensitive nature of sexual assault.
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