2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Archbishop Timothy Michael Dolan
Audit Conducted 11/8 –
12/2004
Previous Audit Conducted 10/27-31/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of November 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, Amy Paterson who has a degree in art therapy and ten years
experience in issues of child abuse. The Archdiocese established in 2003 a
Review Board which consists of six members. The membership includes a
former Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin, an attorney, two psychologists,
an Anglican minister/psychologist, and a priest. 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 any confidentiality agreements during the audit period.
The
Archdiocese would have reported all allegations of sexual abuse of a minor
to public authorities however there were none 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
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 implemented a "safe
environment" education program. The educational program for children is “
Safeguarding All of God’s Family”; the educational program for parents is
“VIRTUS, Protecting God’s Children”; the educational program for ministers
is “VIRTUS, Protecting God’s Children”; the educational program for
educators is “VIRTUS, Protecting God’s Children”; and the educational
program for others is “VIRTUS, Protecting God’s Children.” 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. One priest who had
a credible allegation of sexual abuse made against him moved to another
diocese for residence. The bishop of the diocese where this priest moved
was provided the proper notification by the Archbishop of
Milwaukee.
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.
Clergy Advocacy and Monitoring Program
The Clergy Advocacy
and Monitoring Program was designed to be a resource for the Archbishop to
assist his clerics in leading holy, virtuous, and appropriate lifestyles
befitting an ordained member of the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of
Milwaukee, and be a positive resource for a cleric to return to a state of
fullness of health, e.g., physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental. The
program is established with due consideration for canon law, as well as
civil and criminal law. Three tiers of clergy misconduct have been
identified and are addressed in the program which involves monitoring
protocols, ministry restriction reviews, assurance of faithfulness to
therapy and medical care, and support for ongoing spiritual
direction.
Independent Mediation System to Address Clergy Sexual
Abuse of Minors:
The State of Wisconsin has a unique set of
circumstances which affect litigation for civil claims against the Church
for clergy sexual abuse of minors. Since opportunities for plaintiffs to
seek restitution through civil courts are limited, the Archdiocese of
Milwaukee sought the services of an outside consultant to establish a
mediation system to address the needs of victims/survivors. It is an
independent, voluntary process designed to resolve disputes for those who
have been sexually abused by clergy of the Archdiocese, with the goal of
healing, restoration, and closure.
Community Advisory
Board
Separate from the Diocesan Review Board, an additional board
of consultants serves as an advisory panel to the Archbishop and his staff
in addressing policies and services for victims/survivors of sexual abuse.
The membership includes counselors and therapists, social workers from
community agencies, professionals from the Department of Corrections,
victims/survivors and parish/chaplaincy staffs. They advise the
Archdiocese on ways of improving services and delivery of support to
victims/survivors and give guidance to the Victim Assistance Coordinator.