2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Scranton
Bishop Joseph F. Martino
Previous Audit Conducted July 28
– August 1, 2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of September 13 – 17, 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 victim assistance coordinator, Joan
Holmes who is a licensed family therapist and has been in private practice
for 18 years. The diocese established in 1993 and reconstituted in 2003 a
Review Board which consists of six members. The members include the
Executive Director of Lackawanna County Children and Youth Services, a
former City Attorney and City Solicitor of Scranton, a Lackawanna County
Court of Common Pleas Judge, the President of the Center for Academic
Integrity at Duke University, the Vicar for Priests who has a Master of
Science degree in counseling/psychology and a Ph.D. in human development
and one position which is vacant at the present time. 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 reported all allegations of sexual abuse of a minor to public
authorities since the last compliance audit with the exception of
allegations against deceased priests. 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 VIRTUS: Teaching Touching Safety; the educational
program for parents, ministers, educators and others is VIRTUS: 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. 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 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 cooperative endeavors 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.