2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Archdiocese of Anchorage
Archbishop Roger L. Schwietz
Previous Audit Conducted
8/11-15/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of October 4 – 8, 2004.
The Archdiocese has a policy on the
prevention of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The Archdiocese provides
outreach designed to offer pastoral care to victims/survivors and their
families. The Archbishop 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 Archbishop or his delegate has
directed outreach to all faith communities in which the sexual abuse
occurred. The Archdiocese 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 Archdiocese has a victim assistance coordinator, Sister Barbara
Scanlon, who is a certified social worker with 27 years experience in
working with children and youth. The Archdiocese established in 1992 a
Review Board which consists of seven members. The members include a
retired educator and principal, a retired corporate executive, a nurse, a
health care administrator with experience with sex offenders in the prison
system, a pastor, a retired school teacher, and an Executive Director of a
social service agency who is also a certified social worker. The Board
serves as a confidential consultative body to the Archbishop.
The procedures for making a complaint of abuse are readily available in
printed form, and are the subject of periodic public announcements. The
Archdiocese has not entered into a confidentiality agreement during the
audit period.
The Archdiocese would have reported all allegations of
sexual abuse of a minor to public authorities however there have been none
since the last compliance audit. The Archdiocese complies with all
applicable civil laws with respect to the reporting of allegations of
sexual abuse of minors to civil authorities. The Archdiocese has
established effective liaison with civil authorities, ensuring that an
open dialogue regarding sexual abuse allegations will occur. The
Archdiocese cooperates with public authorities about reporting in cases
when the person is no longer a minor. In all instances, the Archdiocese
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 Archdiocese
notifies the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith and applies the
precautionary measures mentioned in CIC, canon 1722, or CCEO, canon 1473.
When accusations against a priest or a deacon are proven to be unfounded,
the Archdiocese takes 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
Archdiocesan policies provide that the offending priest or deacon be
permanently removed from ministry. The Archdiocese does offer 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 Archdiocese
supplies canonical counsel to a priest or deacon.
If the penalty of dismissal from the clerical state has not been
applied, the Archdiocese directs the offender to lead a life of prayer and
penance. The Archdiocese does not allow the offender to celebrate Mass
publicly, to administer the sacraments, or to present himself publicly as
a priest.
The Archdiocese has established clear and well-publicized standards of
ministerial behavior for priests and deacons. A communications policy is
in effect which reflects the Archbishop’s pledge to be open and
transparent on issues regarding the sexual abuse of children. The
Archdiocese does assist and support all parish communities directly
affected by ministerial misconduct involving minors.
The Archdiocese has not fully implemented
a "safe environment" education program. A Required Action was issued. The
educational programs for children, parents, educators and others
(volunteers) have not been selected or implemented. The educational
program for ministers and employees is named “Archdiocese of Anchorage
Sexual Abuse Awareness Training”, that was devised by S.T.A.R. (Standing
Together against Rape). The Archdiocese has clear and well publicized
standards of conduct for persons in positions of trust with regard to
sexual abuse. The Archdiocese conducts background evaluations for all
Archdiocesan personnel who have regular contact with minors, using
appropriate law enforcement resources where permissible. The Archdiocese
employs adequate screening and evaluative techniques in deciding the
fitness of candidates for ordination.
The Archdiocese 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. The Archdiocese has not
transferred any priest or deacon who has had a credible allegation of
sexual abuse made against him to another diocese for residence since the
last audit.
The Archbishop, or his designee, has coordinated with major superiors
of men with a presence in the Archdiocese concerning addressing the issue
of allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The Archdiocese has
not had the opportunity to participate in research with other institutions
in the area of sexual abuse. The Archdiocese 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 Archdiocese was found to be compliant with all articles of the
Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People with the
exception of Article #12. The following Required Action was issued:
REQUIRED ACTION: (Article #12) Safe Environment Programs
Select and implement a training program for children attending
parochial schools and parents. Also select a program for educators and
volunteers who have access to children and young people. Thereafter,
provide the number in each category who must be trained and a schedule for
the training.
Compliance with the Charter as of December 31, 2004
As of December 31, 2004, the Archdiocese of Anchorage has
satisfactorily completed the required action. The Archdiocese is found to
be compliant with all articles of the Charter for the Protection of
Children and Young People.