2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Oakland
Name of Bishop Allen H. Vigneron
Previous Audit Conducted
7/2125/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 10/03-07/2004.
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 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 always 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, Sr.
Barbara Flannery, Chancellor, who was an elementary school teacher and a
principal of an elementary school for over twenty years. She dealt with
child abuse during those years. The diocese established in 1993 a Review
Board which consists of six members. The members include a psychologist,
an attorney, a computer consultant, an investment counselor, a mental
health advocate and a member of the clergy. 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 in both
English and Spanish, and are the subject of periodic public announcements.
The diocese has not entered into a confidentiality agreement during the
audit period.
The diocese reports all allegations of sexual abuse of a
minor to public authorities. 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 fully
implemented a "safe environment" education program. The educational
program for children is Preventing Child Sexual Abuse; the educational
program for parents is SEC (Safe Environment for Children) Training for
Parents and Others Entrusted with the Care of Children; the educational
program for priests and deacons is SEC Training for Children Project; the
educational program for educators is SEC Training for Catholic School
Faculties and Staff; and the educational program for others is SEC Project
Training. 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 or eparchy 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 participated 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.