2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Trenton
Bishop Joseph M. Smith
Previous Audit Conducted
7/21-24/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 12/06-09/2004.
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 two victim assistance coordinators: Msgr.
Walter Nolan, who has been a priest for 35 years and holds a masters
degree in counseling; and Mrs. Maureen Fitzsimmons, who is a licensed
professional counselor with 18 years counseling experience and holds a
masters degree in family counseling. The Diocese established in 1991 and
in 2002 reconstituted a Review Board, which consists of nine members. The
members include a psychologist, a registered nurse, a retired FBI agent, a
counselor, a retired business executive, two retired judges and two
priests. 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 agreements
during the audit period.
The Diocese received no allegations of sexual abuse
of a minor since the last compliance audit. The Diocese has a policy
requiring compliance 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. Diocesan policy provides that when
accusations against a priest or a deacon are proven to be unfounded, the
Diocese will take 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 will 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. Diocesan policy provides that accused clergy will be encouraged
to retain the assistance of civil and canonical counsel and that, when
necessary, the Diocese will supply canonical counsel to a priest or
deacon.
Diocesan policy provides that if the penalty of dismissal
from the clerical state is not applied, the Diocese will direct the
offender to lead a life of prayer and penance. The policy is that the
offender will not be allowed 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
that reflects the Bishop's pledge to be open and transparent on issues
regarding the sexual abuse of children. The Diocese assists and supports
all parish communities directly affected by ministerial misconduct
involving minors.
The Diocese has a "safe environment" education program
in place, but is in the process of implementing a more uniform program of
instruction for children. The educational program for children is
currently parish-based and consists of several different courses, to
include “Child Assault Prevention”, “Good Touch/Bad Touch”, “Healthy
Boundaries” and “Talking About Touching”; the educational program for
parents, ministers, educators and others is “Protecting God’s Children for
Adults”. 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. 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.