2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Archdiocese of Washington
Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick
Previous Audit Conducted
8/11-15/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 10/4-8/2004.
The Archdiocese has a policy on the
prevention of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The Archdiocese provides
outreach designed to offer pastoral care to victims/survivors and their
families. The Cardinal 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 Cardinal or his delegate has directed
outreach to all faith communities in which the sexual abuse occurred. The
Archdiocese 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 Archdiocese has a victim assistance coordinator,
Marcia D. Zvara, who holds a Masters Degree in Social Work and has 35
years experience in social services. The Archdiocese established in 1993 a
Review Board which consists of 10 members. The members include a hospital
administrator, a judge, a law enforcement officer, a lawyer, a deacon, a
psychotherapist, a social worker, a psychiatrist, a school administer, and
a priest. The Archdiocese also has a Child Protection Advisory Board
established in July 2002 which consists of nine members. It advises the
Cardinal in matters of policy concerning the protection of children. The
Review Board serves as a confidential consultative body to the Cardinal.
The procedures for making a complaint of abuse are readily
available in printed form, and are the subject of periodic public
announcements. The Archdiocese has not entered into any confidentiality
agreements during the audit period.
The Archdiocese would
have reported all allegations of sexual abuse of a minor to public
authorities however there were none reported since the last compliance
audit. The Archdiocese complies with all applicable civil laws with
respect to the reporting of allegations of sexual abuse of minors to civil
authorities. The Archdiocese has established effective liaison with civil
authorities, ensuring that an open dialogue regarding sexual abuse
allegations will occur. The Archdiocese cooperates with public authorities
about reporting in cases when the person is no longer a minor. In all
instances, the Archdiocese 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
Archdiocese 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 Archdiocese 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 Archdiocesan policies provide that the offending
priest or deacon be permanently removed from ministry. The Archdiocese
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 Archdiocese
supplies canonical counsel to a priest or deacon.
If the penalty
of dismissal from the clerical state has not been applied, the Archdiocese
directs the offender to lead a life of prayer and penance. The Archdiocese
does not allow the offender to celebrate Mass publicly, to administer the
sacraments, or to present himself publicly as a priest.
The
Archdiocese has established clear and well-publicized standards of
ministerial behavior for priests and deacons. A communications policy is
in effect which reflects the Archbishop’s pledge to be open and
transparent on issues regarding the sexual abuse of children. The
Archdiocese does assist and support all parish communities directly
affected by ministerial misconduct involving minors.
The Archdiocese has fully implemented a
"safe environment" education program. The educational program for children
is Catechisis on Human Sexuality”; the educational program for parents is
“Protecting God’s Children” (Virtus); the educational program for
ministers is “Protecting God’s Children” (Virtus); the educational program
for educators is “Protecting God’s Children” (Virtus); and the educational
program for others is “Protecting God’s Children” (Virtus). The
Archdiocese has clear and well publicized standards of conduct for persons
in positions of trust with regard to sexual abuse. The Archdiocese
conducts background evaluations for all Archdiocesan and parish personnel
who have regular contact with minors, using appropriate law enforcement
resources where permissible. The Archdiocese employs adequate screening
and evaluative techniques in deciding the fitness of candidates for
ordination.
The Archdiocese 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 Archdiocese
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 Cardinal, or his designee, has coordinated with major
superiors of men with a presence in the Archdiocese concerning addressing
the issue of allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The
Archdiocese has participated in research with other institutions in the
area of sexual abuse. The Archdiocese 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 Archdiocese was found to be compliant with
all articles of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young
People.