2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Erie
Bishop Donald W. Trautman
Previous Audit Conducted
8/25/-29/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 11/8-12/2004.
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, Robert
Nelsen, who is an Ed.D and board certified in counseling psychology. The
Diocese established in 2002 a Review Board which consists of fourteen
members. The members include three attorneys; two college administrators;
two psychologists; a medical doctor; a senior judge in the Pennsylvania
court system; social worker; two priests; the Vicar General and the
Bishop. 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
implemented a "safe environment" education program. The educational
program for children is “Child Protection Safe Environment Program”; the
educational program for parents is “Child Protection Education for
Parents”; the educational program for ministers is “Creating A Safe
Environment”; the educational program for educators is “Creating A Safe
Environment”; and the educational program for others is “Creating A Safe
Environment”. 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 participated 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.