How the Church Screens Child Predators

KOIN
April 26, 2014

http://koin.com/2014/04/25/church-screens-child-predators/

[with video]

Archdioces in Oregon perform background checks on priests, just like many employers do, but it isn’t enough to keep predators out of the system.

Stanley Brittain, 39, arrested in Albany, Ore. April 17, 2014 on child porn charges. (Albany Police Department)

Friday, Scappoose, Ore. priest Michael Patrick appeared in court on charges related to an incident where he allegedly tried to lure a teenage girl into his car April 12 and last week, former Corvallis priest Stanley Brittain was arrested on child abuse and child pornography charges.

Priests are run through background checks, but if they have not previously offended, they are cleared.

Portland Catholic Archdiocese Director of Child and Victim Assistance Cathy Shannon said the church is trying to be more vigilant in screening people who could pose a threat to parishioners.

Fr, Michael Patrick of Scappoose was arrested in Los Angeles for allegedly trying to lure a girl into his car, April 11, 2014 (Courtesy photo)

“[We perform] criminal background check on all employees, all volunteers who work with minors,and all of our clergy.”

Prospective priests are run through the sex-offender registry and must pass an in-depth interview process.

However, there are no psychiatric tests run, except for those entering the seminary.

Still, the challenge remains.

Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers Execuitive Director Maia Christopher said attempts to profile sexual abusers before they attack is difficult because motivations and causes for abusive behavior vary.

Patrick attended seminary in Sri Lanka, and was ordained in 1983 — stringency and screening has tightened significantly since then.

He was released Friday on supervised release.