2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of La Crosse
Diocesan Administrator Richard W. Gilles
Previous Audit
Conducted 9/22-26/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of October 25, 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 administrator 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 administrator 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, who has
a M.S. in mental health counseling. He is a psychotherapist for Catholic
Charities. He has wide experience and contacts involving psychological
matters. The diocese Review Board was established in 2002 and consists of
eight members only six of whom vote. The members include a retired police
officer, a professor of psychology, a practicing attorney, a human
resources manager, a priest with a background in psychology, a priest who
is a canonist, the diocesan attorney, and a priest with an education
background. 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 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 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, but a program is
selected and on schedule and started in September 2004 with completion by
May 2005. The educational program for children is “The Safe Environment
Program for La Crosse, WI”. The program for ministers, employees,
educators, volunteers and parents is the same program. 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. Background investigations are completed for priests, deacons,
educators, parents, employees, and volunteers. The diocese does employ
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 administrator, 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.