2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Dallas
Bishop Charles V. Grahmann
Previous Audit Conducted
September 8, 2003 – September 12, 2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of September 7 - 10, 2004.
The Diocese has a policy on the
prevention of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. This 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 as appropriate 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, Mary
Edlund, who is well qualified and experienced in that position. The
Diocese in 2002 established a Review Board which consists of 7 members.
The members include a lay teacher, a psychologist, an attorney, a former
state law enforcement officer, the Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator
and Chancellor, a parish pastor, and a parish deacon. 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
subject of periodic public announcements. The Diocese has not entered into
any confidentiality agreement during the audit period.
The Diocese has received
nine allegations of sexual abuse of a minor that were reported to public
authorities since the last compliance audit. All of the alleged incidents
occurred before 1991. 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 WHO Program; the educational program for
parents is the Family of Faith Program; the educational program for
ministers is the Virtus Program (Protecting God’s Children for Adults);
the educational program for educators is the Family of Faith Program; and
the educational program for others is the Virtus Program (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/eparchy for residence
since the last audit.
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.