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	Work Continues to Ensure Safe Environment By Katie Lefebvre The Catholic Globe June 4, 2010 http://www.catholicglobe.org/katie65.1.html Allegations of sexual abuse by members of the clergy have been in the headlines recently in the church in Europe – Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands and other places. According to Msgr. R. Mark Duchaine, vicar general and moderator of the curia for the Diocese of Sioux City, this has caused a “storm of criticism and hostility over there and back here. It is a clear sign that we can’t become complacent.” “Notwithstanding the fact that the church has taken very solid, very far reaching and very strong measures to make sure that the scourge of child sexual abuse does not ever again happen in the church,” said the priest. “Nevertheless, the fact that it has happened and there are still occasional incidents of it either from the past or the present just makes it all the more necessary for us to be diligent and remain committed to the long term goals.” On behalf of the bishop, the diocesan review board and all of the priests, Msgr. Duchaine said, “We are sorry for whatever harm they (victims of abuse) may have experienced at the hands of someone who they had every reason to trust and who violated that trust.” Safe environment Keeping children safe is a duty that will never cease. With that in mind, the Diocese of Sioux City continues to take precautions and provide information to help ensure safe environments. “The Catholic Church, both in its parishes and schools, has extended the trust and the responsibility of dealing with children – schools, sacramental formation and religious education,” said Dan Ryan, superintendent of Catholic schools for the diocese. “We are a partner in the raising of those children. So to be respectful of those parents and families, it is our obligation to keep them as safe as possible.” The program was put into place in 2002. Meetings were held in September of 2008 to present the new Safe Environment Booklets and to update each parish, school and entity with the revised information about the programs and codes in place to protect children. “From the time that the Dallas Charter was instituted in 2002, we - like virtually all other dioceses in the United States - have set up a safe environment program for our schools, our parish religious education programs and for any other institutions and church sponsored activities in the diocese,” said Msgr. Duchaine. The diocese provides training for those who are involved with the young people, either on a day-to-day basis or on a temporary basis. This training, VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children, is a three-hour program that is a combination of videos and a discussion that is guided by a facilitator. “We have been making large steps and efforts to make sure we have lots of facilitators trained across the diocese,” said Ryan. “That has been very helpful.” Once a month bulletins are sent to those who have gone through training to continue to update them on signs and symptoms regarding sexual abuse, preventative and education measures that should be taken. Over the course of the years more than 9,300 people have been through Virtus training. “From 2002 until now, the process has not only gotten underway but has continued,” said Msgr. Duchaine. “I am pleased to say our diocese has always been found in compliance according to the national office that operates out of the USCCB. We trust that we always will continue to be. We take this matter very seriously.” Anyone who might work with children in a parish or school setting is put through a background check to make sure there is nothing in their past history that might prohibit them from engaging in activities with young people. “Between those measures (training and background checks), we like to think that our people are well formed and trained in the prevention of child sexual abuse and in safeguarding our young people from that danger,” said Msgr. Duchaine. In compliance Annually, the schools, the parishes and other Catholic entities are asked to go through their employee and volunteer lists and let the diocese know who is still active in their parish. “Have they had their background checks? Have they had their appropriate trainings? Are they keeping up with the online training?” asked Ryan. “We don’t want to become complacent. By doing this on an annual basis, it is a reminder to all of our entities that all of these things have to take place and that we are paying attention.” An audit, which can take place either through an on-site visit or paper report, takes place each year from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. This is when the diocese takes the information from the other diocesan entities and shows that everyone is in compliance. Dedicated to safety There are many people throughout the country, noted Msgr. Duchaine, who are dedicated to the safety of children and young people. “Bishop Nickless is very strong in his commitment to this goal as well,” he said. “In each diocese, there is one individual who is appointed the Safe Environment Coordinator, whose task it is to keep track of where we are at in terms of programs, compliance, training, continuing education and background checks to make sure that nothing and no one falls through the cracks.” Msgr. Duchaine said that the diocese is fortunate to have a Safe Environment Coordinator. In the near future, there are hopes to upgrade this position. “We are grateful for our diocesan review board that is composed of men and women from throughout the diocese, primarily lay people, who advise the bishop on various matters pertaining to these issues,” he said. Reporting abuse To report an occurrence of sexual abuse, there are different courses of action that can be taken. “Most people would probably contact a priest that they know and trust, first, either their pastor or someone else,” said Msgr. Duchaine. “That is certainly an appropriate way to proceed. Some others might call into the diocesan offices and be relayed to me for attention.”In every instance, he added, people are strongly encouraged to contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator, who works out of the Mercy Child Advocacy Center in Sioux City. “Because of training and experience they will know how to address the issue, obtain the necessary information and begin the process of dealing with it appropriately in terms of assisting the victim, our primary concern,” said Msgr. Duchaine. “Also to deal appropriately with the alleged perpetrator, whoever that might be.” Each case should begin with the Victim Assistance Coordinator. Each person will be referred to that person regardless of where they call first.
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