2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Spokane, Washington
Bishop William S. Skylstad
Previous Audit Conducted
10/27-31/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of September 6-10, 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 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, Mary Butler, who is a
retired nurse with extensive practical and administrative nursing
experience. The diocese has established in 1988 a Review Board which
consists of eight members. The members include: a retired Court of Appeals
Justice; a female religious educator; the diocesan Vicar General/pastor;
an associate dean of a university; a parent with a Masters Degree in
Social Work who has worked with victims of sexual abuse; a licensed
psychologist certified as a sex offender treatment provider whose practice
is limited to forensic assessment and assessment and treatment of child
sexual abuse; an advocate coordinator/ legal advocate; and a retired
social studies department head. 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 entered into one confidentiality agreements during the audit
period for reasons brought forward by the victim/survivor.
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 not fully implemented a "safe
environment" education program. A Required Action was issued. The
educational program for children, ministers, educators, parents, and
others is A Safe Net for Children and Youth. The diocese has clear and
well publicized standards of conduct for persons in positions of trust
with regard to sexual abuse. The diocese does not conduct background
investigations for all diocesan and parish personnel who have regular
contact with minors, using appropriate law enforcement resources where
permissible. A Required Action was issued. Also, due to a decentralized
record keeping system, the exact count of background investigations is
unknown. The diocese does employ 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 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 with the exception of Articles 12 and 13. The following
Required Actions were issued:
REQUIRED ACTION # 1 ARTICLE: 12 Safe Environment Program
Required Action:
Determine the exact number of
individuals in each category (educators, employees, volunteers) who are
subject to safe environment training. Ensure all these personnel plus all
priests, deacons and PSR students receive safe environment training.
Provide this information to The Gavin Group, Inc.
REQUIRED ACTION # 2 ARTICLE 13: Background Investigations
Required Action: Determine the exact number of
individuals in each category. If everyone has not had a background
investigation conducted, advise when that will be completed and provide
the results to The Gavin Group, Inc.
Compliance with the Charter as of December 31, 2004
As of December 31, 2004, the Diocese of Spokane had completed the
required actions. The diocese is found to be compliant with all articles
of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.