A Report from the Ombudsman to the People of the Diocese

Roman Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph
August 9, 2012

http://www.diocese-kcsj.org/_docs/Ombudsman_Report_2011-12.pdf

[the complete report]

Dear Members of the Diocese,

Just last year, Bishop Robert Finn made a series of promises to the people of our diocese. In his Five-Point Plan, he pledged to appoint an ombudsman and public liaison to fi eld and independently investigate reports of abuse, suspicious or inappropriate behavior (boundary violations), or sexual misconduct. His call for independence resonated with me. I immediately asked to be considered for this role.

As a mother of young children, my heart was invested in a just outcome for those among us who come forward to report abuse. As a lifelong Catholic, I believe that everyone shares in the responsibility to protect children and vulnerable adults. As a former team leader with the

Jackson County Prosecutor’s Offi ce, I wanted to offer my experience in investigating and prosecuting thousands of cases of physical and emotional abuse.

After meeting with Bishop Finn and asking and answering questions, I accepted the offer to become your ombudsman. I was assured that I had the authority and responsibility to consult with law enforcement or social services at any point in an investigation. My appointment gave me a responsibility to investigate your concerns – about a priest, an employee, or volunteer – whether it

occurred yesterday or decades ago. I promised to honor the trust you have placed in me by being open and honest about my work.

This report documents how I am keeping this promise.