2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Brooklyn, New York
Name of Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio
Previous Audit Conducted
10/6-10/10/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 11/29-12/3/04.
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, Sister
Ellen Patricia Finn, OP, who has many years of pastoral and social work
experience. The diocese established in 2003 a Review Board that consists
of eight members. The members include two civil attorneys; a priest who is
a canon lawyer; a social worker; a psychotherapist; a professor of
theology, a woman religious and a retired police chief. 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 not
entered into any confidentiality agreements during the audit period.
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 would direct 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 implemented a "safe environment"
education program. The educational program for children is “Child Lures”.
The educational program for parents; ministers; educators and others is
“VIRTUS” “Protecting God’s Children for Adults”. 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 however, two priests have on
their own accord, moved to another diocese and the bishop has notified the
receiving diocese of the details concerning these priests.
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.