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	Tucson Diocese: We're Stronger, More Vigilant after Sex Abuse Scandal By Som Lisaius KOLD June 17, 2011 http://www.kold.com/story/14925655/catholic-diocese-stronger-more-vigilant-after-sex-abuse-scandal Sexual abuse is very difficult for anyone to talk about. So imagine what it feels like for an organization to identify those who've committed these terrible crimes, telling the world about them. That's what the Catholic Diocese of Tucson did nine years ago by releasing a list of priests suspected of sexual abuse. Today, they say they're much stronger, more vigilant and more pro-active because of it. The list of priests isn't something the Tucson Diocese is proud of, but it's necessary to show what's been done and what continues to be done to ensure the safety of children in the Catholic Church. "If people know that anything that is brought to my office is going to be looked at very carefully with justice, that is no judgment, just careful collection of facts," said Paul Duckro, director of the Office of Child, Adolescent and Adult Protection in the Tucson Diocese. "And with the support of the Bishop, that is a deterrent." During the past eight and half years, Duckro has reviewed at least 150 cases of alleged abuse. Even more importantly, he identified the clergy members who hurt children. He has assisted in prosecutions, suspensions or removals from priesthood of the 39 priests identified as abusers. "I mean, I think people have the right to know what priests are being accused of what crimes or anything like that," says Tim Lewis, a Tucson resident. "I think it's good that we know their names." "I'm glad we're staying on top of this," says fellow Tucsonan Bob Cervi. "I'm a Catholic and so this has not been a good time." With the full support of Bishop Gerald Kicanas and the Tucson Diocese Sexual Misconduct Review Board, Duckro has implemented an entirely new process by which priests - in addition to all Catholic employees and volunteers - are screened before coming into contact with minors. This includes a criminal background check and ongoing education and supervision. Duckro can't change indiscretions of certain individuals within the Catholic Church, but he wants to affect the future. "Let's say the person who may be tempted or thinking about moving in that way is going to think twice about it because it's a very uncomfortable process." During the past year, the Tucson Diocese has investigated five cases of alleged misconduct against children. Two of those involved priests. In one of those cases, the allegations were dropped. In the other, the investigations by the Diocese and the Pima County Attorney's office continues.
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