2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
Bishop Bernard W. Schmitt
Previous Audit Conducted 8/4 -
8/03
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 9/20 – 24/04.
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 will meet 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 directs
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.
Patricia Bailey who is a West Virginia certified and licensed counselor.
The diocese established a Review Board in 2003 which consists of 7
members. The members include an attorney, a psychologist, a former law
enforcement officer, two physicians, a retired priest and a human
resources professional. 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 did not
report the allegations of sexual abuse of a minor to public authorities
since the last compliance audit as the accused priest has been dead since
the early 1980s. The diocese has complied 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, diocesan policy requires that 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 would 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 be permanently removed from
ministry. The diocese would offer professional assistance to offending
priests or deacons.
In every case involving canonical penalties,
the processes provided for in canon law are observed. Accused clergy would
be encouraged to retain the assistance of civil and canonical counsel.
When necessary, the diocese would supply canonical counsel to a priest or
deacon.
If the penalty of dismissal from the clerical state has
not been applied, the diocese would direct the offender to lead a life of
prayer and penance. The diocesan policy 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 diocesan policy calls for assistance and support for all
parish communities directly affected by ministerial misconduct involving
minors.
The diocese
has not fully implemented a "safe environment" education program. A
Required Action was issued. A safe environment type program for children
is required for all public schools. All Catholic schools use this training
curriculum. The educational program for parents is Protecting God’s
Children; the educational program for ministers is Protecting God’s
Children. The educational program for educators Protecting God’s Children;
and the educational program for others is Protecting God’s 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 was unable to confirm that background
investigations had been conducted for volunteers who regularly work with
minors. A Required Action was issued. 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/eparchy for residence
since the last audit period.
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 with the exception of
Articles number 12 & 13. The following Required Actions were
issued:
REQUIRED ACTION # 1 (Article 12) SAFE ENVIRONMENT
PROGRAMS
- Provide the number of volunteers within the diocese and provide a
training schedule indicating when the remainder of the volunteers will
be trained.
- Provide a schedule for the safe environment training for the
remainder of the priests.
REQUIRED ACTION # 2 (Article 13)
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONSProvide the number volunteers in the
diocese and provide information as to when those who have not received
background investigations are scheduled to do so.
Compliance with the Charter as of December 31,
2004As of December 31, 2004, the Diocese of
Wheeling-Charlestown is found to be compliant with all articles of the
Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People with the
exception of Article 12 and Article 13.