2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of El Paso
Bishop Armando X. Ochoa
Previous Audit Conducted 8/8 –
8/11/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of November 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 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, Susan
Martinez, who is a licensed clinical social worker with fifteen years
experience as a psychotherapist treating numerous clients who have been
victims of sexual abuse. In 2003, the Diocese established a Review Board
consisting of ten (10) members. The members include a medical doctor, a
clinical nurse, a clinical practitioner, an educator, a school
administrator, a judge, three social workers and a priest. 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 had no allegations of sexual abuse of a minor
to report 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. 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,
diocesan policy provides that the offending priest or deacon is
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 assists and supports 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
and all others who have regular contact with minors, including clergy,
educators, employees, and volunteers, consists of workshops which
incorporate the video, “Child Lures” along with the diocesan Code of
Conduct and Behavioral Guidelines and other appropriate materials. 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.
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.