2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Des Moines
Bishop Joseph L. Charron
Previous Audit Conducted
10/20-24/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 11/8-11/2004.
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, Jo
Mulvihill, who is a licensed social worker with the Polk County, Iowa,
Victim Services Agency with a background in child abuse. The Diocese
established in 2002 a Review Board which consists of seven members. The
members include two attorneys, a police detective, a District Associate
Judge, a psychologist and two clergy. 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 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 mandated by law and selected by the state of Iowa;
the educational program for parents is Virtus’ “Protecting God’s
Children”; the educational program for ministers is Virtus’ Protecting
God’s Children”; the educational program for educators is Virtus’
“Protecting God’s Children”; and the educational program for others is
Virtus’ “Protecting God’s Children.” 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.
At a family's
request, the diocese assisted in facilitating a "restorative justice"
meeting between family members of a victim of sexual abuse by clergy and a
perpetrator. In addition, the diocese has made a commitment to make a
$10,000 gift to a child protection center.