2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Charleston, South Carolina
Bishop Robert J. Baker
Previous Audit Conducted 8/25-29,
2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of November 29 to December 3, 2004
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. Diocesan policy is for the bishop or his
delegate to direct outreach to all faith communities in which the sexual
abuse occurred, however, there have been no faith based communities
affected during the audit period. 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, Louisa Storen, who is
a licensed independent social worker, a licensed marriage and family
therapist, an accredited social worker, a board certified diplomat in
clinical social work and a certified practitioner. Ms. Storen has
extensive experience in dealing with victims of sexual abuse. The diocese
established in 1994 a Review Board which consists of eight members. The
members include a psychiatrist, a psychologist, an attorney, two teachers,
a victim, a retired university president and one clergy. The board also
has eight ex officio members. 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 would have reported all allegations of sexual
abuse of a minor to public authorities however there were 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 notify 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 not fully implemented a "safe
environment" education program for children, parents, clergy, educators
and employees. A Required Action was issued. The educational program
utilized is entitled “Diocese of Charleston’s Educational Sessions on
Child Abuse Awareness and Creating a Safe Environment.” However, Virtus
has now been selected as the training vehicle for all the groups and will
be implemented during 2005. The diocese has clear and well publicized
standards of conduct for persons in positions of trust with regard to
sexual abuse. The diocese has not conducted background evaluations for all
diocesan and parish personnel who have regular contact with minors using
appropriate law enforcement resources where permissible. A Required Action
was issued. 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 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 with the exception of
Articles number 12 and 13. The following Required Actions were issued:
REQUIRED ACTION # 1 (Article 12)
Required Action: The Diocese will provide a schedule for
the training of the priests and children who have not been trained. Also
provide the number of volunteers who have not received training and a
schedule for the completion of volunteer training.
REQUIRED ACTION #2 (Article 13)
Required
Action: The Diocese will provide the number of volunteers in the
diocese and a schedule for completion of background checks for
international priests and volunteers.
Compliance with the Charter as of December 31,
2004
As of December 31, 2004, the Diocese of Charleston has satisfactorily
completed the required actions. The Diocese is found to be compliant with
all articles of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young
People.