2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Rockford, Illinois
Bishop Thomas G. Doran
Previous Audit Conducted October
20- 24, 2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of August 30 – September 3, 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. During this audit period there have been seven allegations
against one priest who had been removed many years ago. Many allegations
against this priest surfaced as a result of the pro-active approach of the
bishop who requested in the media that additional victims to come forward.
The bishop or his representative has met or offered to meet with all
victim/survivors who reported allegations of abuse since the last 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 victim
assistance coordinator, Dick Kunnert who is a licensed clinical social
worker with 31 years experience in his field of practice. He also once
served as the superintendent of a state operated mental health facility.
The diocese established in 1987 a Review Board which consists of 16
members. The members include: two licensed clinical social workers
specializing in victims of sexual abuse; a former pastor and Vicar
General; two pastors; a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in
persons with disabilities; a Vicaress for women religious and former
school administrator; a retired Illinois Appellate Court Justice; the
Director of the Diocesan Tribunal who is a canon lawyer and former school
administrator; four parents; a retired Chief Judge of the County Circuit
Court; a nurse; and an attorney. 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
confidentiality agreement/s during the audit period unless for reasons
brought forward by the victim/survivor.
Since the last
compliance audit, the diocese has not received any allegations of sexual
abuse wherein the victim is still a minor. However, their policy is to
report all allegations of sexual abuse of a minor to public authorities.
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 (K-6) is
Personal Safety Program; the educational program for parents,
ministers, educators and others is Protecting God’s Children by
Virtus. The diocese is researching what safe environment programs are age
appropriate for middle school and high school students, with the goal of
having an appropriate program in place during this school year. 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 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.