2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
Bishop Sam G. Jacobs
Previous Audit Conducted 10/27-31/
2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of December 13-17, 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 would have
directed outreach to all faith communities in which the sexual abuse
occurred, but there were no faith communities affected during the audit
period. 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, Sister
Miriam Mitchell, who has a Bachelors Degree in Education and a Masters
Degree in Pastoral Studies. The diocese established in 1993 a Review Board
which consists of eight members. The members include one clergy, two
counselors, one social worker, a physician, a retired judge, a homemaker
and a clinical social worker. 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 has had no
allegations of sexual abuse of a minor to report 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 the 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 would offer professional
assistance to offending priests or deacons.
In every case
involving canonical penalties, the processes provided for in canon law are
observed. Accused clergy would be encouraged to retain the assistance of
civil and canonical counsel. When necessary, the diocese would supply
canonical counsel to a priest or deacon.
If the penalty of
dismissal from the clerical state has not been applied, the diocese would
direct the offender to lead a life of prayer and penance. The diocese
would 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 would 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 “Protecting
God’s Children (Program for Children)”; the educational program for
parents is “Protecting God’s Children (Program for Parents)”; the
educational program for ministers is “Protecting God’s Children (Program
for Clergy)”; the educational program for educators is “Protecting God’s
Children (Program for Educators and other School Employees)”; and the
educational program for others is “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 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.