2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Reno
Bishop Phillip F. Straling
Previous Audit Conducted
06/30/2003 – 07/04/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 10/03/2004 – 10/08/2004.
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 three victim assistance coordinators,
Kathleen Shane, Kendall Wilson and Marilyn Janka who have extensive
experience in treating victims of sexual abuse. The diocese established in
2002 a Review Board which consists of 11 members. The members include two
judges, one pathologist, five educators with experience in sex education
for children and child sexual abuse, one retired employee of the Nevada
State Welfare Division, one priest with a Master’s degree in Criminology,
and one attorney from the Nevada State Education Association who has
experience in examining allegations of the sexual abuse of minors by
educators. The Board serves as a confidential consultative body to the
bishop.
The procedures for making a complaint of abuse are readily
available in a 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 would have reported all
allegations of sexual abuse of a minor to public authorities however there
were none 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 not
fully implemented a "safe environment" education program however a
schedule for implementation is in effect. The educational program for
children is Protecting God’s Children; the educational program for parents
is Protecting God’s Children; the educational program for ministers is
Protecting God’s Children; the educational program for educators is
Protecting God’s Children; and the educational program for others is
Protecting God’s Children. 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 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 Archdiocese/diocese/eparchy was found to be compliant with all
articles of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young
People.