2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Archdiocese of Baltimore
William Cardinal Keeler
Previous Audit Conducted
9/1-5/03
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 8/30/04-9/3/04
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 Cardinal 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 Cardinal 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, Judy
Dobson, who is a licensed social worker with 20 years experience in
dealing with child abuse matters. The Archdiocese established in 1993 a
Review Board which consists of 11 members. The members include an
attorney, a retired chief of police, college professor, retired judge,
university administrator, psychiatrist, CPA, a foundation executive, the
Chancellor, a community representative and a business executive. The Board
serves as a confidential consultative body to the Cardinal.
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 reported all allegations of sexual abuse
of a minor to public authorities 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 Cardinal’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 fully implemented a "safe
environment" education program. The educational program for children is
Catechesis for Human Sexuality; the educational program for parents is
Child Safe; the educational program for ministers is STAND; the
educational program for educators is STAND and the educational program for
others is STAND. 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/diocesan/eparchial 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/eparchy for residence
since the last audit.
The Cardinal, 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 participated 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.