2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Cheyenne
Bishop David L. Ricken
Audit Conducted
8/23-27/04
Previous Audit Conducted 8/18 22/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of August 23-27, 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. 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, Deacon
Rollie Raboin, who holds degrees in theology, counseling, sociology and
psychology. He is a licensed professional counselor and an instructor at
Eastern Wyoming College. The diocese established on January 24, 2003, a
Review Board which consists of five members. The members include the Vicar
General of the diocese, a psychologist, a public grade school principal, a
certified social worker who is the Deputy Administrator of the Mental
Health Division of the State of Wyoming, and a college professor who is a
retired local 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 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 fully
implemented a "safe environment" education program. The educational
program for children is the Safe Environment Program for Children; the
educational program for parents is Child Lures Prevention; the educational
program for ministers is Girls and Boys Town Safe Environment Program; the
educational program for educators is Girls and Boys Town Safe Environment
Program; and the educational program for others is Girls and Boys Town
Safe Environment Program. 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 transferred one priest who has had a credible
allegation of sexual abuse made against him to another diocese for
residence since the last audit. The Bishop in the Diocese where the one
priest went to reside was informed by letter of the location and the
restrictions imposed. No deacon was transferred since the last audit for
residency who had a credible allegation of sexual abuse made against him.
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.