2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon
Archbishop John G. Vlazny
Previous Audit Conducted
09/15-19/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 10/11-15/2004.
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, Cathy Shannon, who
has held the position since 2002 and has the training and experience
required. The Archdiocese established in October, 2002 a Review Board
which consists of eight members. The members include a clinical
psychologist, a guidance counselor, a research assistant, an attorney, a
psychiatrist, a retired surgeon, a retired State Supreme Judge and the
Vicar General. 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 no such
allegations 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 not fully implemented
a "safe environment" education program. A Required Action was issued. The
educational program for children is Talking About Touch and Second
Step; the educational program for parents is What Do I Say
Now?; the educational program for ministers is Safe Environment for
Children and Youth; the educational program for educators is Role
of the Mandatory Reporter; and the educational program for others is
Role of the Mandatory Reporter. 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.
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 with the
exception of Article number Twelve. The following Required Action was
issued:
REQUIRED ACTION # 1
ARTICLE 12: Safe Environment Programs:
Required Action:
- Provide a schedule for the completion of “Safe Environment” training
for Archdiocesan educators and volunteers who have regular contact with
children and youth.
Compliance with the Charter as of December 31, 2004
As of December 31, 2004 the Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon 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.