2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Austin, TX
Bishop Gregory M. Aymond
Previous Audit Conducted
08/18-22/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 9/6-10/04.
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, Patricia
Stankus who is Spiritual Director with a Masters Degree in Pastoral Care.
The diocese established in 2002, a Review Board which consists of six
members. The members include a clinical psychiatrist, a lawyer with
experience defending victims of sexual abuse, a vice president of a
company that advises religious organizations on sexual abuse policies, a
human resources director, a priest and the diocesan communications
director. 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 entered into five confidentiality
agreements during the audit period all of which were requested by the
victims.
The diocese reported all allegations of sexual abuse of a
minor to public authorities 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. When accusations against a priest or a
deacon are proven to be unfounded, the diocese 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 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 for children. The educational program for children is
”Called to Protect”; the educational program for parents is “Protecting
God’s Children”; the educational program for ministers is “Protecting
God’s Children”; the educational program for educators is “Protecting
God’s Children”; and the educational program for others is “Protecting
God’s Children”. 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. The diocese 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 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
participated 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.