2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph
Bishop Raymond J. Boland
Previous Audit Conducted 09/08 –
12/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 10/25 – 29/04.
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, Sister Jeanne
Christensen who is currently the Diocesan Director for the Department of
Peace and Justice. Sister Christensen has received a Masters Degree in
Social Work, is a VIRTUS trained victim advocate and has a significant
background in education. The diocese established in 1993 a Review Board,
which consists of seven members. The members include a hospital
administrator, an editor of a Kansas City newspaper, a county divorce
mediator and therapist, a retired television news anchor, a rabbi, a
consultant for child and youth development and a diocesan pastor. 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 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 not fully implemented a "safe
environment" education program. A Required Action was issued. The
educational program for children is Protecting God’s Children; the
educational program for parents is Protecting God’s Children; the
educational program for ministers is Protecting God’s Children; the
educational program for educators is Protecting God’s Children; 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 with the exception of Article number twelve. The following
Required Action was issued:
REQUIRED ACTION:
ARTICLE: 12 – SAFE ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM
Required Action: The Diocese will select and implement a
program for the public school religious education classes as soon as
possible. Provide a schedule for this training which should be submitted
in response to this Required Action.
Compliance with the Charter as of December 31, 2004
As of December 31, 2004, the Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph 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 Young People.