2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Stockton
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire
Previous Audit Conducted 7/7
–11/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of November 29-December 3, 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, Sister
Barbara Thiella, who holds a Masters in Theology, and lifetime teaching
and administrative credentials. She has taught active listening and has
been a peer counselor. In addition, she has over ten years of experience
in personnel and pastoral leadership. The diocese established in 2002 a
Review Board which consists of eleven members. The members include retired
president of a law firm, a consultant, a nurse, three attorneys, a
physician’s assistant, a Ph.D. in behavioral science, a police commander,
a C.E.O., and a pastor. 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 would have
reported all allegations of sexual abuse of a minor to public authorities
however there were none 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 implemented a "safe environment"
education program. A new program called the “Diocesan-Parish Child Safety
Model” was created in April of 2004. Training of facilitators was
completed on 11/13/04. The implementation of the program has begun and the
full curriculum will be fully implemented by June of 2005. The educational
program for children is “Diocesan-Parish Child Safety Model”; the
educational program for parents is “Boy Scouts of America Youth Protection
Guidelines Training for Volunteer Leaders and Parents”; the educational
program for ministers, deacons, educators, employees and volunteers is a
diocesan generated one made up of several available diocesan and state
programs. 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.
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.