2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Gary, Indiana
Bishop Dale J. Melczek
Previous Audit Conducted August
25–29, 2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of August 2-6, 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. During this audit period, one allegation of sexual abuse of a
minor was reported and the accused priest was removed from ministry. The
bishop or his representative has met with, or offered to meet with all
victim/survivors in his diocese who have reported allegations of abuse
since the last 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, Joseph Joyce, who is a
Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Masters degree in Social Work who
also has extensive work experience related to children. Mr. Joyce was just
appointed August 1, 2004. Prior to that time Marcella Walters was the VAC.
She also is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Masters degree in
Social Work with a significant background in child sexual abuse matters.
Ms. Walters served as the VAC from July 2003 to July 31, 2004. In 1993 the
diocese established a Review Board which consists of 10 members. The
members include two priests, one psychologist, one social worker with
expertise in child sexual abuse, one deacon, one pediatric nurse, two
educators, a human resource specialist, and the Bishop’s Delegate for
Sexual Misconduct. 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 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
have been observed. The diocese chose not to proceed with laicization in
one case due to the age and infirmity of the accused priest. 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 not one, but many. Each principal of a school, the
director of the religious education program, and the youth minister are
given options to select a program that would meet the needs of the
children. Various programs for children are being used. Each school can
select an appropriate program from a database provided by the diocese, or
select some other program they believe would be appropriate for a
particular school and age group. Some programs which are available and/or
being used are: Red Flag Green Flag Resources, Yello Dyno, Safe Children
Program, Preventing Child Sexual Abuse, Talking About Touching, In God’s
Image, What Do I Say Now?, Positive Approach to Teen Health, Child Lures,
Escape School, Little Bear Video – Good Touch, Bad Touch, Health
Education: A Guide to Wellness, Sexual Misconduct; Prevention/Dating
Violence, and Christian Life Style Course.
The educational program
for parents, ministers, educators, and 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 for residence, without
providing the proper notification to the new diocese of residence.
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, but has expressed a total willingness to do so
should the opportunity present itself. The diocese has developed a
systematic ongoing formation program in keeping with the Basic Plan for
the Ongoing Formation of Priests.