BishopAccountability.org
	Diocese’s Abuse Hotline Serves Those in Need By Jenna Farmer Houma Today April 15, 2011 http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20110415/ARTICLES/110419627/1011/living?Title=Diocese-8217-s-abuse-hotline-serves-those-in-need Nearly a decade ago, the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux created an Outreach Line to encourage individuals that have been sexually hurt or abused by clergy to seek support and healing. The Outreach Line was created in response to the Charter for Protection of Children and Young People, according to organizers with the Outreach Line. The Rev. Josh Rodrigue, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, said the hotline is beneficial for the entire community, not just the Catholic community. “It’s a good thing,” he said. According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop’s website, this charter was established in June 2002, and is a comprehensive set of procedures addressing allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy. “The Charter also includes guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability, and prevention of future acts of abuse,” the website reads. The charter also, according to the website, directs action in creating a safe environment for children and young people, healing of victims and survivors, making prompt and effective response to allegations, cooperating with civil authorities and disciplining offenders. Diocese officials said they didn’t waste any time forming the Outreach Line after the charter’s formation. The project was one of the first responses to the charter. For effective and safe service, all information regarding victims remains confidential, including information about the licensed mental-health professionals that answer the calls. Rodrigue feels the hotline helps others by offering a confidential service where they can feel comfortable coming forward or talking to professionals. “As a diocese, we are committed to providing a healthy, loving and an up-building environment for the children that we, along with their parents, are forming into the future adults of our church and society. We owe this to our children,” Bishop Sam Jacobs says on the diocese’s website. A list of questions was emailed to Jacobs, however, the questions were forwarded to other departments of the diocese. Thus far, the diocese has received positive feedback about the Outreach Line. Diocese officials said the response to the hotline has been very favorable and appreciative that there is access to a mental-health professional, according to Louis Aguirre, director of communications for the diocese. The diocese plans to continue the Outreach Line as part of its commitment to support and healing. The diocese — under former Bishop Michael Jarrell — began scrutinizing policy in 2002, when worldwide attention was focused on abuse scandals in Boston and other cities across the United States. “It provides a safe environment for our community,” Rodrigue said. “In the Year of Reconciliation, it’s one thing when we seek reconciliation, it’s another thing to put steps into practice to really show that we are trying to make amends for the wrongs that others have done. We want to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.” Religious leaders of other denominations praise the diocese for establishing the hotline. “That’s a good avenue to reach people,” said Jean C. Williams, pastor and founder of Joy-Full Gospel Outreach Ministries in Houma. “Sometimes people won’t volunteer and they’ll call. I think it’s good.” Pamela Boudreaux, founder and senior pastor of Breakthrough Believers Church in Houma, said it’s important to give counseling and spiritual guidance to those that have been mentally or physically abused. “We are spirit, soul and body, and they absolutely need spiritual counsel,” she said. “I am in total agreement with that method.” For information on the Outreach Line, visit http://www.htdiocese.org and click the Safe Environment link. The Outreach Line is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Individuals can either call 873-0026 or toll free at 1-866-444-4241. “It’s something to try and help out the greater community in any way possible,” Rodrigue said.
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