2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Evansville, Indiana
Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger
Audit Conducted 9/27 –
30/2004
Previous Audit Conducted 10/20 – 23/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of September 27-30, 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, Rebecca
Luzio, who is a psychologist. The Diocese established in 2002 a Review
Board which consists of six members. The members include a pediatrician, a
judge, a priest, an accountant, a social worker and homemaker. 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 confidentiality agreement 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 Framework for
Youth Protection; the educational program for parents is Framework for
Youth Protection; the educational program for ministers is Framework for
Youth
Protection; the educational program for educators is Framework
for Youth Protection and the educational program for others is Framework
for Youth Protection. 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.
The Diocese has designed its own Safe Environment Program. A key aspect
of this program is that each of the 70 parishes and 4 Catholic high
schools has appointed a Youth Protection Coordinator to more effectively
implement the safe environment program at the local level.
One of
the components of priest candidate assessment used by the Diocese is the
Behavorial Assessment, which was originated by Rev. Raymond Carey,
Ph.D. A women religious, who is a member of the diocesan Vocation Team,
conducts this interview. The Behavioral Assessment provides a
format to gather extensive history and background information about a
candidate. Having a women religious administer the instrument creates an
opportunity for the diocese to gain insights into the candidate’s ability
to work with women and opens up a forum to introduce a woman’s perspective
into the candidate assessment process.