Audit

Bishop Thomas G. Doran
Previous Audit Conducted October 20- 24, 2003

The information found herein represents conditions as they were found to exist during the week of August 30 – September 3, 2004

Findings

To Promote Healing and Reconciliation (Articles 1, 2 and 3)

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. During this audit period there have been seven allegations against one priest who had been removed many years ago. Many allegations against this priest surfaced as a result of the pro-active approach of the bishop who requested in the media that additional victims to come forward. The bishop or his representative has met or offered to meet with all victim/survivors who reported allegations of abuse since the last 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, Dick Kunnert who is a licensed clinical social worker with 31 years experience in his field of practice. He also once served as the superintendent of a state operated mental health facility. The diocese established in 1987 a Review Board which consists of 16 members. The members include: two licensed clinical social workers specializing in victims of sexual abuse; a former pastor and Vicar General; two pastors; a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in persons with disabilities; a Vicaress for women religious and former school administrator; a retired Illinois Appellate Court Justice; the Director of the Diocesan Tribunal who is a canon lawyer and former school administrator; four parents; a retired Chief Judge of the County Circuit Court; a nurse; and an attorney. 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 agreement/s during the audit period unless for reasons brought forward by the victim/survivor.

To Guarantee Effective Response to Allegations of Abuse of a Minor (Articles 4, 5, 6 and 7)

Since the last compliance audit, the diocese has not received any allegations of sexual abuse wherein the victim is still a minor. However, their policy is to report all allegations of sexual abuse of a minor to public authorities. 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.

To Protect the Faithful in the Future (Articles 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17)

The diocese has fully implemented a "safe environment" education program. The educational program for children (K-6) is Personal Safety Program; the educational program for parents, ministers, educators and others is Protecting God’s Children by Virtus. The diocese is researching what safe environment programs are age appropriate for middle school and high school students, with the goal of having an appropriate program in place during this school year. 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/eparchy for residence since the last audit.

The bishop 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.

Compliance with the Provisions of the Charter

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.