By Glenn E. Rice
Kansas City Star
June 30, 2011
http://www.kansascity.com/2011/06/30/2985001/diocese-appoints-ombudsman-for.html
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A former Jackson County assistant prosecutor has been appointed to the new position of ombudsman and public liaison officer for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.
Jenifer Valenti, a former team leader with the Jackson County prosecutor’s office, had worked closely with law enforcement agencies and has prosecuted domestic violence cases, said Bishop Robert W. Finn in a statement announcing the appointment.
Finn said the appointment would be effective July 15. He said Valenti’s work would be independent and confidential.
“She will have the responsibility and authority to receive and investigate reports of suspicious, inappropriate behavior or sexual misconduct by clergy, employees or program volunteers,” Finn said. “Within our 27-county diocese, I have asked her to focus particularly on reports relating to children and young people.”
The position was outlined in a five-point plan the diocese recently offered as a response to lawsuits and allegations of sex midconduct by clergy.
Valenti will serve as an ex-officio member of the Independent Review Board, which is charged with assessing sexual-abuse allegations against priests and making recommendations to the bishop.
“My last assignment in the prosecutor’s office was in cases of physical and emotional abuse,” Valenti said in a statement released by the diocese. “To arrive at the truth, I established relationships with victims, law enforcement, victim advocates and the community.”
Valenti earned a law degree from the University of Missouri–Columbia and joined the prosecutor’s office in 1997.
She became a team leader and was responsible for six attorneys and two victim advocates. Finn said as ombudsman, Valenti’s work would be closely aligned with Leslie Guillot, the victims’ advocate.
The victims’ advocate provides confidential support and counseling resources for persons who report being sexually abused, according to diocese officials.
David Clohessy, executive director of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests or SNAP, said he was skeptical about the appointment.
“Regardless of an individual’s background, if he or she is picked and paid by the bishop, and answers to the bishop, little will change,” Clohessy said. “Kids, parents, and families need independent professionals in law enforcement to step up here. They don’t need the bishop bolstering his staff and calling that ‘reform.’^”
Last week, Finn named the Rev. Joseph Powers the vicar for clergy, a new position. Powers replaced Msgr. Robert Murphy on the diocesan review board.
Murphy came under fire for his handling of a priest recently charged with possessing child pornography.
The Rev. Shawn Ratigan was charged last month with three counts of possessing child pornography. Ratigan has pleaded not guilty to those charges in Clay County Circuit Court and remains in custody on $200,000 bond.
After Ratigan’s arrest, it was revealed that the principal of St. Patrick School in Kansas City, North, had given diocesan officials a memo more than a year ago detailing concerns teachers and parents had about Ratigan’s interactions with children.
Earlier this month, Finn appointed Todd Graves, a former U.S. attorney for western Missouri, to conduct an independent investigation of issues related to a priest charged with possessing child pornography.
In addition, Graves will lead a review of the diocesan ethical code of conduct and sexual misconduct policies.
Diocesan officials said the review would take 30 to 45 days, and will be released to the public.
To reach Glenn E. Rice, call 816-234-4341 or send e-mail to grice@kcstar.com
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