2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Providence
Bishop Robert E. Mulvee
Previous Audit Conducted June
23-27, 2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of September 20-24, 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 a full time victim assistance coordinator, Dr. Michael
Hansen who is a licensed clinical psychologist and holds a Ph.D. in
Psychology from the University of Rhode Island. The diocese established in
2002 a Review Board which consists of eight members. The members include a
former Rhode Island Attorney General; the Director of Victims Advocacy and
Support Center State of Rhode Island; a Providence College professor and
practicing psychologist; a trainer on sexual abuse matters for the
Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island; a former Superintendent of Rhode Island
State Police; a Rabbi of Temple Shalom in Middletown, Rhode Island; a
juvenile judge and former Rhode Island Child Advocate and a retired Rhode
Island state police officer. 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, and are the subject of periodic public announcements. The
diocese has not entered into a confidentiality agreement 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 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 “Safe
Environment Curriculum”; the educational program for parents is “Education
In-Service for a Safe Environment”; the educational program for ministers
is “Education In-Service for a Safe Environment”; the educational program
for educators is “Education In-Service for a Safe Environment”; and the
educational program for others is “Education In-Service for a Safe
Environment”. The diocese has clear and well publicized standards of
conduct for persons in positions of trust with regard to sexual abuse. The
diocese has not conducted background evaluations for all diocesan and
parish personnel who have regular contact with minors, using appropriate
law enforcement resources where permissible. A Required Action was issued.
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 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 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 with
the exception of Article number 13. The following Required Action was
issued:
Required Action: Provide a schedule for the completion of
background investigations for all volunteers.
Compliance with the Charter as of December 31, 2004
As of December 31, 2004, the Diocese of Providence completed the
required action. The diocese is found to be compliant with all articles of
the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.