2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts
Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell Previous Audit
Conducted10/13/2003 – 10/17/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of August 16 through 20, 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
Bishop 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, Laura Failla Reilly,
who is a licensed clinical social worker with master’s degrees in Social
Work and Business Administration. She worked for the Department of Social
Services for six (6) years; with victims of domestic violence and sexual
assault for three (3) years; and with persons suffering from mental
illness for ten (10) years. In addition, she had a Catholic education
(College of the Holy Cross), and had been teaching CCD in her parish for
nine (9) years. The diocese established in 1992 a Review Board (previously
referred to as the Misconduct Commission) which consists of six members
with plans to add an additional member who is victim of clerical sexual
abuse. The members include: a retired executive with experience in social
work and master’s degrees in guidance and psychological science as well as
social work; a licensed psychologist and social worker, with a master’s
degree in education; a retired Housing Court Justice; a psychiatric
nursing specialist with a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing; an
adjustment counselor with a master’s degree in counseling; and a licensed
independent clinical social worker with a master’s degree in social work.
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 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 not fully implemented a "safe
environment" education program. The educational programs for children are
“Child Lures,” for those in Catholic schools, and “Protecting Our
Children,” for those receiving religious education; the educational
programs for parents is “Child Lures,” for those whose children are in
Catholic schools, and “Protecting Our Children,” for those whose children
are in public school but receive religious education; the educational
program for ministers is “Protecting Our Children”; the educational
program for educators is “Child Lures”; and the educational program for
others is “Protecting Our 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 since the last audit. The Diocese has not
transferred any priest or deacon who has a credible allegation of sexual
abuse made against him to another diocese for residence since the last
audit.
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
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 with the exception of
Article number 12. The following Required Action was issued:
REQUIRED ACTION #1 (Article #12) – The diocese will complete
implementation of its “safe environment” program.
Compliance with the Charter as of December 31, 2004
As of December 31, 2004, the Diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts had
completed the required action. The diocese is found to be compliant with
all articles of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young
People.