2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas
Archbishop James P. Keleher
Previous Audit Conducted 9/29
–10/3/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 9/27-10/1/2004.
The archdiocese has a policy on the
prevention of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The archdiocese provides
outreach designed to offer pastoral care to victims/survivors and their
families. The archbishop 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 archbishop or his delegate has
directed outreach to all faith communities in which the sexual abuse
occurred. The archdiocese 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 a victim assistance
coordinator, Dr. Daniel Pope, former Executive Director of Catholic
Charities and retired senior vice president of the Menninger Foundation.
The archdiocese established in 2000 an Independent Review Board which
consists of 6 members. The members include two attorneys, a law
enforcement officer, a retired priest, a housewife/mother, and a
psychologist. The Board serves as a confidential consultative body to the
archbishop.
The procedures for making a complaint of abuse are
readily available in printed form, and are the subject of periodic public
announcements. The archdiocese has not entered into confidentiality
agreements during the audit period unless for reasons brought forward by
the victim/survivor.
The archdiocese reported all allegations of sexual
abuse of a minor to public authorities since the last compliance audit.
The archdiocese complies with all applicable civil laws with respect to
the reporting of allegations of sexual abuse of minors to civil
authorities. The archdiocese has established effective liaison with civil
authorities, ensuring that an open dialogue regarding sexual abuse
allegations will occur. The archdiocese cooperates with public authorities
about reporting in 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 archdiocesan policies provide that the offending priest or deacon
be permanently removed from ministry. The archdiocese 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 archdiocese supplies canonical
counsel to a priest or deacon.
If the penalty of dismissal from
the clerical state has not been applied, the archdiocese directs the
offender to lead a life of prayer and penance. The archdiocese does not
allow the offender to celebrate Mass publicly, to administer the
sacraments, or to present himself publicly as a priest.
The
archdiocese has clear and well-publicized standards of ministerial
behavior for priests and deacons. A communications policy is in effect
which reflects the archbishop's pledge to be open and transparent on
issues regarding the sexual abuse of children. The archdiocese does assist
and support all parish communities directly affected by ministerial
misconduct involving minors.
The archdiocese has fully implemented a "safe
environment" education program. The educational program for children is
P.S. It’s My Body, published by the Sunflower House; the
educational program for parents is Virtus; the educational program for
ministers is Virtus; the educational program for educators is Virtus; and
the educational program for others is Virtus. The archdiocese has clear
and well publicized standards of conduct for persons in positions of trust
with regard to sexual abuse. The archdiocese conducts background
evaluations for all archdiocesan and parish personnel who have regular
contact with minors, using appropriate law enforcement resources where
permissible. The archdiocese employs adequate screening and evaluative
techniques in deciding the fitness of candidates for ordination.
The archdiocese 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 archdiocese has not
transferred any priest or deacon who has had a credible allegation of
sexual abuse made against him to another diocese for residence during the
audit period.
The archbishop, 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 archdiocese has not had the opportunity to participate in research
with other institutions in the area of sexual abuse. 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,
the archdiocese was found to be compliant with all articles of the
Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.