2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Archdiocese of Louisville
Archbishop Thomas C. Kelly
Previous Audit Conducted 10/20
–24/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 11/8 –12/2004.
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, Tom Robbins who is Ph.D social worker and psychotherapist
with many years of experience. The Archdiocese established in 2002 a
Review Board which consists of seven members. The members include a
pediatrician, an attorney who is a former judge, a priest who is a
victim/survivor of child sexual abuse, a licensed marriage and family
therapist, a Judicial Vicar, a nurse and the diocesan Chancellor. 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 entered into one confidentiality
agreement during the audit period at the request of the victim/survivor.
The
Archdiocese has not reported any allegations of sexual abuse of a minor to
public authorities since the last compliance audit, as there have been no
such allegations. 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
Archdiocese 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 Archdiocese 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 established 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 an Archdiocesan developed program.. The educational program for
parents; the educational program for ministers, the educational program
for educators, and the educational program for others is named “Honor Thy
Children, A Safe Environment Program of the Archdiocese of Louisville” The
Archdiocese has a 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 since
the last audit.
The Archbishop has coordinated with major
superiors of men concerning issues of allegations of sexual abuse made
against a cleric member. 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.