2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Lafayette, Louisiana
Bishop Michael Jarrell
Previous Audit Conducted 8/25-29,
2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of October 10-15, 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 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, Ms.
Carmen Falgout who is a practicing, board cCertified psychotherapist,
possessing a Masters Degree in Psychology. Ms. Falgout has extensive
experience in dealing with victims of sexual abuse. The diocese
established in 2002, a Review Board which consists of six members. The
members include two clergy, one of which is a psychologist and the other a
canon lawyer, a retired civil judge, a clinical psychologist, a retired
educator/administrator and a retired head of a college psychology
Department. 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 would have reported all
allegations of sexual abuse of a minor to public authorities however there
were no such incidents to report 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 notify 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
Youth Education Program which is a combination of the program used by the
Boy Scouts and other programs; the educational program for parents is
Education for Parents/Other Adults; the educational program for ministers
is Diocesan Safe Environment Program and Continuing Education Program; the
educational program for educators is Diocesan Safe Environment Program and
Continuing Education Program; and the educational program for others is
Diocesan Safe Environment Program and Continuing Education 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. 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.