2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Shreveport
Bishop William B. Friend
Previous Audit Conducted
09/01/2003 09/04/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 08/15/2004.
The Diocese of Shreveport 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, Ann
Inabnet, who is a licensed sexual abuse counselor with fourteen years
experience. The diocese established in 1992 a Review Board which consists
of eight members. The members include an attorney, a retired law
enforcement officer, a human resources director of a private company, a
dentist, a counselor MSW, a counselor PHD, a business woman, and a priest.
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
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 the Null
program implemented by the Catholic schools; the educational program for
parents is being implemented; 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, without providing the proper notification to the
new diocese of residence.
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.