2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Helena
Bishop George L. Thomas
Audit Conducted November
28-December 3, 2004
Previous Audit Conducted October 20-24,
2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of November 28, 2004 to December 3, 2004.
The Archdiocese 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 effected 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 Archdiocese has an Diocesan Outreach and Support Coordinator
(victim assistance coordinator), Eric Schiedermayer, who is also the
Director of Communications. The Diocese is seeking a new person to fill
the victim assistance coordinator position. The Diocese established in
2002 a Review Board which consists of six members. The members include a
licensed marriage and family counselor with two Masters degrees; an
attorney; a social worker and licensed counselor with a Masters degree; a
female parent; a pastor with a Ph.D in sociology; and a retired business
manager. 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 a confidentiality agreement/s 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 cases when the person is no longer a minor. In all
instances, the Archdiocese 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, except with respect to the children. The educational
program for children is under development. A Required Action was issued.
The educational program for parents is “Protecting God’s Children,
Virtus®”; the educational program for volunteers is Virtus; the
educational program for educators is Virtus; and the educational program
for priests and all others is Virtus. 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 Archdiocese concerning addressing the issue of
allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The Diocese has not had
the occasion to participate in research with other institutions in the
area of sexual abuse during this audit period. The Archdiocese 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,
with the exception of Article #12, the Diocese was found to be compliant
with all articles of the Charter for the Protection of Children and
Young People.
REQUIRED ACTION #1: (Article #12) Safe Environment Programs
Provide the name of the Safe Environment Program developed or selected
and a schedule for the completion of the training for all of the children.
Compliance with the Charter as of December 31, 2004
As of December 31, 2004, the Diocese of Helena had satisfactorily
completed the required action. The Diocese is found to be compliant with
all articles of the Charter for the Protection of Children and
Youth.