2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee
Bishop John H. Ricard, SSJ
Previous Audit Conducted 8/18
–23/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 8/23- 27/2004.
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 two victim assistance coordinators. Ms.
Danielle Malone, LMHC works in Pensacola and is responsible for issues
relating to the western portion of the diocese. She has a Masters Degree
in counseling and human development with over ten years experience in
dealing with sexual abuse cases. She came to the diocese after working for
Catholic Charities. James Gagnon, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW handles cases in the
eastern part of the diocese. He has extensive experience in the treatment
of victims and families where sexual abuse has occurred. The diocese
established in 1998 a Review Board which consists of six members. The
members include two parents, educator, Jewish business leader, retired
judge, Catholic priest and a psychiatrist with experience in sexual abuse.
The Board serves as a confidential consultative body to the bishop.
The procedures for making a complaint of abuse are available in
printed form, and are the subject of periodic public announcements. The
diocese has not entered into any confidentiality agreements during the
audit period.
The diocese reported all allegations of sexual abuse of a
minor to public authorities 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 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 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 “Kids and
Company: Together For Safety”; the educational program for parents is
“Preventing Child Sexual Abuse”; the educational program for ministers is
“Protecting and Safeguarding Our Children”; the educational program for
educators has been developed by the diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator
and is based on material obtained from “Kids and Company:; and the
educational program for others is “Diocesan Sexual Abuse Prevention
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/eparchy for residence
since the last audit.
The bishop, or his designee, has not
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, as there are no major superiors located within the diocese. 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.