2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Archdiocese of Omama
Archbishop Elden Francis Curtiss
Previous Audit Conducted
9/22 –26/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 9/6-10/04.
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, Mary Beth Hanus
who is a Certified Master Social Worker with a Masters of Science degree.
The Archdiocese established in 2003 a Review Board which consists of 11
members. The members include four doctors, an educator, an attorney, a
police detective, a director of a Child Welfare Agency, a nurse, a member
of the State Board of Health and a priest. The Board serves 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 confidentiality agreements during the
audit period.
The Archdiocese reported all allegations of sexual abuse
of a minor to public authorities since the last compliance audit. The
Archdiocese has complied 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 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 will take 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
Archdiocese provides 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 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 not fully implemented
a "safe environment" education program for Children. A Required Action was
issued. The educational program for parents, ministers, educators and
others is entitled “Respecting God’s People”. 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. 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 period.
The Archbishop or his designee has coordinated with major superiors of
men in the Archdiocese. 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 with the exception of Article number 12. The following required
action was issued:
Required Action: The Archdiocese will establish a safe
environment program for all children and advise of the date when it will
be implemented. The Archdiocese will also insure that all priest and
deacons are trained and provide the numbers trained to The Gavin Group.
Compliance with the Charter as of December 31, 2004
As of December 31, 2004, the Archdiocese of Omaha had satisfactorily
completed the required action. The archdiocese is found to be compliant
with all articles of the Charter for the Protection of Children and
Young People.