2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Baker, Oregon
Bishop Robert F. Vasa
Previous Audit Conducted 09/29/03 –
10/03/03
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 11/29/04 – 12/02/04.
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 has
occurred.
The diocese has a victim assistance coordinator, Eve McFarland, who is
a state-licensed clinical social worker with twenty-one years experience
and skills in dealing with victims of various types of abuse, including
sexual abuse of minors. In 2002, the diocese established a review board
that consists of eight (8) members. The members include an employee of
Oregon Child Protective Services, a pediatrician, a district attorney, an
attorney in private practice, a counselor, two volunteer mediators, and an
attorney/mediator. The review 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 since the last
audit.
The diocese reported all allegations of sexual abuse of a
minor to public authorities since the last compliance audit. The diocese
complied 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,
diocesan policies provide for the offending priest or deacon to 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 assists and
supports 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 a combination
of a self-generated program and “Good Touch-Bad Touch”. The educational
training program for parents, ministers, educators, other employees and
volunteers who have regular contact with children is called “Virtus
Awareness Training.” 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 of 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. However
one religious order priest was deported to Colombia and the receiving
bishop was notified.
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.