2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Grand Rapids
Apostolic Administrator Adam Cardinal Maida
Previous
Audit Conducted June 30 – July 3, 2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of August 30 – September 2, 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, Ed
Donatelli who has a Master’s degree in Social Work, is a certified social
worker, former therapist with Children and Family Services of Muskegon and
the former Director of Catholic Social Services. The diocese established
in 2003 a fully constituted Review Board which consists of eight members.
The members include a County Probate Judge; the Coordinator, Child
Protection Team, DeVos Hospital; a retired FBI agent; two licensed
clinical psychologists; a retired elementary school principal; the
Associate Vicar for Priests; and a county administrator of child abuse
& neglect shelter and supervisor of foster home licensing and
adoptions. 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 agreements
during the audit period.
The diocese reported all allegations of sexual abuse
of a minor to public authorities since the last compliance audit which
fall within the agreement made with all county prosecutors and state law.
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 has a policy in place to
take 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 consists of a variety of age specific programs in the
curriculum for children in public school and the curriculum of the
Catholic school; the educational program for parents, ministers,
educators, and 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 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 with other
institutions in research 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.