2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Tucson
Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas
Previous Audit Conducted
08/11/2003 – 08/15/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 12/06/2004 – 12/10/2004.
The diocese does have 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, Dr. Paul Duckro, a
psychologist who has taught and practiced the application of psychology
and its interface with physical and spiritual domains. The diocese
established in 2002 a Review Board which consists of eleven (11) members.
The members include one clergy, one community leader, one educator, one
woman religious, one deacon, one real estate executive, one retired law
enforcement member, one Doctor of Psychiatry, one attorney, one member of
the Carmelite Order, and one manager at the University of Arizona. 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 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 implemented a "safe environment"
education program. The educational program for children is “Keeping Kids
Safe”; the educational program for parents is “Keeping Kids Safe”; the
educational program for ministers is a self developed program, “The Code,
Guidelines, and Mandatory Reporting”; the educational program for
educators is, “The Code, Guidelines, and Mandatory Reporting”; and the
educational program for others is “The Code, Guidelines and Mandatory
Reporting”. 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 however one
priest moved of his own volition and the receiving bishop was notified of
the fact and circumstances.
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.
Additional Actions for the Protection of Children (added by
diocese)
During the audit period, the diocese has participated actively in the
work of the Southern Arizona Children’s Advocacy Center (SACAC). The
mission of SACAC is to collaborate with law enforcement in responding to
children and families harmed by child abuse and to provide educational
services to check and prevent abuse.
Dr. Paul Duckro is a member of the SACAC Board. One of the major
accomplishments during the audit period was the passage of a bond issue to
finance the construction of a modern facility in which SACAC, law
enforcement agencies and social service agencies will interface in their
efforts to prosecute offenders, support victims and prevent violence
against children and families.