2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Archdiocese of Atlanta
Archbishop John Francis Donoghue
Previous Audit Conducted
9/29-10/3/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of November 8-12, 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, Mary Sue Stubbs who is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC)
possessing a Masters Degree in Social Work (MS). She has prior experience
interning at a residential treatment center, counseling residents and
outpatients on issues of sexual and physical abuse. The Archdiocese
established in 1995 a Review Board which consists of six members. The
members include a pastor, two attorneys, a family therapist, a former
teacher (mother of an abused child), and a female parent. 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 any confidentiality agreements during the
audit period.
The Archdiocese would have reported all allegations of
sexual abuse of a minor to public authorities however there were 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 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 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 implemented a "safe environment" education program. The
educational program for children is “You Matter”; the educational program
for parents is “You Matter”; the educational program for ministers is “You
Matter”; the educational program for educators is “You Matter”; and the
educational program for others is “You Matter.” Each program is self
–generated and tailored to the target group. 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 and parish 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.