2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Amarillo
Bishop John W. Yanta
Previous Audit Conducted
08/18-22/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of October 18-21, 2004.
The diocese has a policy on the
prevention of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The diocese provides
outreach designed to offer pastoral care to victims/survivors and their
families. The bishop or his representative has met with, or offered to
meet with all victims/survivors who have reported allegations of abuse
since the last compliance audit. The bishop or his delegate has directed
outreach to all faith communities in which the sexual abuse occurred. The
diocese has a mechanism in place to respond promptly to any allegation
where there is reason to believe that sexual abuse of a minor
occurred.
The diocese has a victim assistance coordinator, Belinda
Taylor, who is a licensed, professional psychotherapist who has
specialized in treatment of victims of sexual abuse and who has degrees in
psychology and child development, and a Master’s Degree in professional
counseling. The diocese established in 2002 a Review Board which consists
of seven members. The members include: a clinical social worker, a
counselor, a priest, an accountant, a banker/architect, an educator, and
an educational diagnostician. The Board serves as a confidential
consultative body to the bishop.
The procedures for making a
complaint of abuse are readily available in printed form, and are the
subject of periodic public announcements. The diocese has not entered into
any confidentiality agreements during the audit period.
The diocese would have
reported all allegations of sexual abuse of a minor to public authorities
however there were none since the last compliance audit. The diocese
complies with all applicable civil laws with respect to the reporting of
allegations of sexual abuse of minors to civil authorities. The diocese
has established effective liaison with civil authorities, ensuring that an
open dialogue regarding sexual abuse allegations will occur. The diocese
cooperates with public authorities about reporting in cases when the
person is no longer a minor. In all instances, the diocese advises
victims/survivors of their right to report allegations of abuse by a
member of the clergy to civil authorities.
When an allegation of
sexual abuse of a minor by a priest or deacon is received, a preliminary
investigation, in harmony with canon law, is initiated. If a preliminary
investigation so indicates, the diocese notifies the Congregation for the
Doctrine of Faith and applies the precautionary measures mentioned in CIC,
canon 1722, or CCEO, canon 1473. Should accusations against a priest or a
deacon be proven to be unfounded, the diocese would take steps to restore
the good name of the priest or deacon.
When sexual abuse of a
minor by a priest or a deacon is admitted or established after an
appropriate process in accord with canon law, the diocesan policies
provide that the offending priest or deacon be permanently removed from
ministry. The diocese offers professional assistance to offending priests
or deacons.
In every case involving canonical penalties, the
processes provided for in canon law are observed. Accused clergy are
encouraged to retain the assistance of civil and canonical counsel. When
necessary, the diocese supplies canonical counsel to a priest or deacon.
If the penalty of dismissal from the clerical state has not been
applied, the diocese directs the offender to lead a life of prayer and
penance. The diocese does not allow the offender to celebrate Mass
publicly, to administer the sacraments, or to present himself publicly as
a priest.
The diocese has established clear and well-publicized
standards of ministerial behavior for priests and deacons. A
communications policy is in effect which reflects the bishop's pledge to
be open and transparent on issues regarding the sexual abuse of children.
The diocese does assist and support all parish communities directly
affected by ministerial misconduct involving minors.
The diocese has fully implemented a "safe
environment" education program. The educational program for children is
“Good Touch Bad Touch” and “At Risk” which is a program covering health,
sex abuse, and safe environment issues. The educational program for
parents, ministers and others is called “The Safe Environment Training
Program” consisting of a discussion of the Charter, the Code of Conduct,
information on how to recognize, report, and respond to child sexual
abuse, a viewing of the “Sacred Trust” video regarding standards for
adults working with children and a brochure and discussion of “Respecting
the Boundaries”. The educational program for educators is the “At Risk”
program. The diocese has clear and well-publicized standards of conduct
for persons in positions of trust with regard to sexual abuse. The diocese
conducts background evaluations for all diocesan and parish personnel who
have regular contact with minors, using appropriate law enforcement
resources where permissible. The diocese employs adequate screening and
evaluative techniques in deciding the fitness of candidates for
ordination.
The diocese has not transferred any priest or deacon
who has had a credible allegation of sexual abuse made against him to
another ministerial assignment since the last audit. One priest, whose
faculties had been removed, moved to England/Ireland during this audit
period. The bishop made the proper notification to the receiving
bishop.
The bishop, or his designee, has coordinated with major
superiors of men with a presence in the diocese concerning addressing the
issue of allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The diocese has
not had the opportunity to participate in research with other institutions
in the area of sexual abuse. The diocese has developed a systematic
ongoing formation program in keeping with the Basic Plan for the
Ongoing Formation of Priests.
At the conclusion of this compliance audit,
the diocese was found to be compliant with all articles of the Charter
for the Protection of Children and Young People.