2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Saginaw
Father Thomas E. Sutton, Diocesan Administrator
Previous
Audit 6/30/03 – 7/3/03
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 9/6/04 – 9/10/2004
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 a policy
in place that directs outreach to all faith communities in which the
sexual abuse occurs. During this audit period, because of the number of
decades that have passed since each alleged incident of abuse has
occurred, and each of the priests is deceased, there has been no outreach
to faith communities. 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, Janet Fulgenzi, OP, who is a PhD Licensed Psychologist. A
Review Board that consists of five members was established in 2003. The
members include a sexual assault program supervisor; a parole-probation
officer; a scientist who is a member of a taskforce on Child Sexual Abuse;
a child welfare specialist; and a member of the clergy. 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 any confidentiality agreements during the audit period.
The
diocese has a policy to report all allegations of sexual abuse of a minor
to public authorities since the last compliance audit, but no relevant
allegations were received. 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 recent cases when the person is no longer a
minor. In all instances, the diocese advises all 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 diocese provides 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 provides 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 have a policy in place to 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 VIRTUS; the
educational program for parents is VIRTUS; the educational program for
ministers is VIRTUS; the educational program for educators is VIRTUS; and
the educational program for others is VIRTUS. 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 period.
The Bishop, or
his designee, has not coordinated with major superiors of men with a
presence in the diocese, as there are non in the diocese. The diocese has
participated 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.