2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Baton Rouge
Bishop Robert W. Muench
Previous Audit Conducted 8/25 –
29/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of October 18—22, 2004.
The Diocese of Baton Rouge has a
policy on prevention of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. This policy
provides for an outreach program designed to offer immediate 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
sexual abuse may have 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 diocesan victim assistance
coordinator is Rev. David Allen, who has formal education and extensive
professional experience in providing and supervising mental health
counseling to persons at risk, including children and youth. A Lay Review
Board was established in 2002 and consists of ten members, to include the
chief nurse of a local hospital operating room (Chair); a pediatric
consultant to the state on juvenile correctional medicine; the president
of the state university system and former university chancellor; a
Ph.D-clinical psychologist; a family services coordinator and advocate; a
correctional center warden; a general counsel and former religious; a
retired dean; a retired state appellate court judge; and a diocesan parish
priest. The Board serves as a confidential consultative body to the
bishop.
The procedures for reporting a complaint of abuse are
available in printed form. There have been six confidentiality agreements
entered into by the diocese since the previous audit at the request of the
victims/survivors.
The diocese 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 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, 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 assists and supports all parish communities
directly affected by ministerial misconduct involving minors.
The diocese has
implemented a “Safe Environment” program through a variety of educational
platforms. The safe environment training programs for children and
educators are “Preventing Child Sexual Abuse” and “Empower: The
School—Parent Partnership for Child Safety.” The training program for
parents, diocesan employees, and others who have regular contact with
children is “Preventing Child Sexual Abuse.” The training program for
clergy is “Preventing Child Sexual Abuse and For Our Children: Ministry
with Minors.” The diocese has clear standards of conduct for priests and
deacons as well as for diocesan employees, volunteers, and any other
church personnel in positions of trust who have regular contact with
children and young people, and has publicized these standards. 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 assessing 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. No priest or deacon
who has had a credible allegation of sexual abuse made against him has
been transferred from the diocese for the purpose of residency since the
last audit. .
The diocese 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 audit, the Diocese of Baton Rouge was found to be in compliance
with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.