2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Byzantine Archeparchy of Pittsburgh of the Ruthenians
(Pennsylvania)
Archbishop Basil M. Schott
Previous Audit Conducted 9/2
–5/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of September 20-24,2004.
The Archeparchy has a policy on the
prevention of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The Archeparchy 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 Archeparchy 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 Archeparchy has a victim assistance coordinator, Sr. Seraphim
Olsafsky, a clinical social worker with extensive experience in hospital
psychiatric care. In 2002, the Archeparchy established a Review Board
which consists of six members. The members include two attorneys, a
psychiatric nurse, an Administrative Law Judge, a Board Certified
psychiatrist, and a member of the clergy. 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
Archeparchy has not entered into confidentiality agreement during the
audit period.
The Archeparchy would report allegations of sexual abuse
of a minor to public authorities however, there were none during this
period. The Archeparchy complies with all applicable civil laws with
respect to the reporting of allegations of sexual abuse of minors to civil
authorities. The Archeparchy has established effective liaison with civil
authorities, ensuring that an open dialogue regarding sexual abuse
allegations will occur. The Archeparchy cooperates with public authorities
about reporting in cases when the person is no longer a minor. In all
instances, the Archeparchy 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 Archeparchy
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 Archeparchy 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
Archeparchial policies provide that the offending priest or deacon be
permanently removed from ministry. The Archeparchy 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 Archeparchy
supplies canonical counsel to a priest or deacon.
If the penalty of dismissal from the clerical state has not been
applied, the Archeparchy directs the offender to lead a life of prayer and
penance. The Archeparchy does not allow the offender to celebrate Mass
publicly, to administer the sacraments, or to present himself publicly as
a priest.
The Archeparchy 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
Archeparchy does assist and support all parish communities directly
affected by ministerial misconduct involving minors.
The Archeparchy has not fully implemented
a "safe environment" education program as it pertains to employees and
volunteers. A Required Action was issued The educational program for
children is Metropolitan Archeparchy of Pittsburgh Program for Safe
Environment for Children and Young People; the educational program for
parents is Safe Environment Education – Parents; the educational
program for ministers is Safe Environment Program, Byzantine Catholic
Archeparchy of Pittsburgh; the educational program for educators is
Child Protection Policy, Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, March 1,
2003; and the educational program for employees and volunteers is
Safe Environment Education – Paid and Volunteer Workers. The
Archeparchy has clear and well publicized standards of conduct for persons
in positions of trust with regard to sexual abuse of minors. Although
using appropriate law enforcement resources where permissible, the
Archeparchy does not conduct background evaluations which can be
articulated for all Archeparchial personnel, who have regular contact with
minors. A Required Action was issued. The Archeparchy employs adequate
screening and evaluative techniques in deciding the fitness of candidates
for ordination.
The Archeparchy 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 Archeparchy 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 Archbishop, or his designee, has coordinated with major superiors
of men with a presence in the eparchy concerning addressing the issue of
allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The eparchy has not had
the opportunity to participate in research with other institutions in the
area of sexual abuse. The eparchy 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 eparchy was found to be compliant with all
articles of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young
People with the exception of Articles #12 and #13. The following
Required Actions were issued:
REQUIRED ACTION # 1 (Article # 12) Safe Environment Programs
Provide the number of archeparchial employees and volunteers who
have regular contact with children and young people. Provide the number in
each category for those who have received training and a schedule for
those who need to be trained.
REQUIRED ACTION # 2 (Article #13) Background Investigations
Provide the number of archeparchial employees and volunteers who
have regular contact with children and young people. Provide the numbers
in each category who have completed their background investigations and a
schedule for the completion for those who have not yet complied.
Compliance with the Charter as of December 31, 2004
As of December 31, 2004, the Byzantine Archeparchy of Pittsburgh had
completed the required actions. The archeparchy is found to be in
compliance with all articles of the Charter for the Protection of
Children and Young People.