2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Juneau
Bishop Michael W. Warfel
Previous Audit Conducted 8/4
8/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 10/7-10/04.
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, Roberta
Izzard, who is experienced in working with abused persons and victims, has
a degree in psychology, was a law enforcement officer, and has
institutional knowledge about the diocese. The diocese established in 2002
a Review Board which consists of seven members. The members include a
priest, a director of a youth center, an engineer, a librarian, a
victim-child care specialist, a state program manager, and a licensed
clinical psychologist. 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 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 Preventing Child Sexual Abuse; the educational
program for parents is Preventing Child Sexual Abuse; the educational
program for ministers is Preventing Child Sexual Abuse; the educational
program for educators is Preventing Child Sexual Abuse; and the
educational program for others is Preventing Child Sexual Abuse. 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. One priest who has had a
credible allegation of sexual abuse made against him moved to another
diocese for residence. The receiving bishop was advised of all of the
information concerning this priest.
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 the
articles of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young
People.