2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Archdiocese of New Orleans
Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes
Previous Audit Conducted
September 8 –12/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of August 30-September 3, 2004.
The Archdiocese does have a policy on
the prevention of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The Archdiocese does
provide outreach designed to offer pastoral care to victims/survivors and
their families. The Archbishop 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 Archbishop 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, Sister Carmelita
Centanni, who is employed by the Archdiocese and has both educational and
occupational experience in sexual abuse matters. The Archdiocese
established in 1993 a Review Board which consists of thirteen members. The
members include educators, mental health professionals, social workers,
clergy, lawyers, community activists and medical professionals. The Board
serves as a confidential consultative body to the Archbishop.
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 agreement since the
previous audit.
The Archdiocese reported all allegations of sexual
abuse of a minor to public authorities 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 policy provides 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 or administer the sacraments or to present himself publicly as
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 not fully implemented
a "safe environment" education program. One parish has declined to have
its volunteers who come into regular contact with Children receive safe
environment training (see Required Action # 1). In addition, it has been
determined that only 127 of the 186 active deacons have received safe
environment training as of the time of this audit (see Required Action #
1). The educational program for children, parents, clergy and volunteers
is entitled “Child Protection Catechesis”. The Archdiocese has clear and
well publicized standards of conduct for persons in positions of trust
with regard to sexual abuse. The Archdiocese does not conduct all
background evaluations for all Archdiocesan and parish personnel who have
regular contact with minors, using appropriate law enforcement resources
where permissible. It was determined that a substantial number of priests
(41 of 158 active priests) and all 126 of its deacons have not yet had
their background investigations completed as of the time of the audit (see
Required Action # 2) The same situation existed at the time of the last
audit. 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. Proper notice was given to two dioceses in which two priests
began residence prior to this audit but against whom new or additional
allegations were made during the current audit period.
The Archbishop 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 not
had the opportunity to participate 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 with the
exception of Articles # 12 and 13. The following Required Actions were
issued:
REQUIRED ACTION # 1 (Article 12) – Safe Environment
The Archdiocese will mandate that all of its priest and deacons
immediately comply with the requirement that any volunteer in any parish
and/or school, who comes into regular contact with minors, be provided
appropriate Safe Environment training. The Archdioces will provide the
numbers of children, educators, employees, and volunteers who have
received safe enviroment training.
REQUIRED ACTION # 2 (Article 13) – Background Investigations
The Archdiocese will complete and verify that the background
investigations for each of its diocesan priests and deacons.
Compliance with the Charter as of December 31, 2004
As of December 31, 2004, the Archdiocese of New Orleans had
satisfactorily completed the required actions. The archdiocese is found to
be compliant with all articles of the Charter for the Protection of
Children and Young People.
Relationship between the Archbishop and the Major Superiors of
Religious Orders in the Archdiocese and the inclusion of the religious in
the Policy of the Archdiocese (cf. Article 15) :
Archbishop Hughes met with the Major Superiors of Religious women and
men on October 24, 2003 to review the history and development of the
Archdiocesan Policy on the Abuse and Neglect of Minors, to hear an update
on what is happening in the 3 Conferences of Major Superiors, to present
the responses received from an earlier meeting with them regarding the
revision of the Archdiocesan policy, to indicate what changes were made in
the policy because of their suggestions, to address any questions raised,
and to speak about ways of working together. The meeting was very well
received and was indicative of a continuing good rapport between the
Archbishop and the Major Superiors and their excellent level of
cooperation regarding these important issues. The Archdiocesan Policy on
the Abuse and Neglect of Minors includes two sections relating to a
cooperative response regarding allegations made against members of
religious institutes.
Outreach to priests (cf. Article 1, #1-51 of the audit
instrument) :
Archbishop Hughes conducted a convocation of the diocesan and religious
priests on April 27, 2004 to hear their concerns regarding the
Archdiocesan policy, the Charter and the Norms, and the pertinent
universal law regarding cases of sexual abuse by priests and to offer
responses to their concerns and questions. The Archbishop was present for
another listening session for diocesan and religious priests on July 6,
2004 to provide more time for the priests to express their concerns and
questions. A letter summarizing the input from the priests was sent to
Archbishop Flynn and Archbishop Hughes responded to the priests in
writing. Both meetings were very well attended, were open and frank and
the priests appreciated the Archbishop genuine desire to hear and consider
everything they had to say.
Outreach to Media (cf. Article 7):
The archdiocese has produced a policy and practice which supports
truth, transparency, and a commitment to protect those entrusted to our
care. The archdiocese has engaged the public through media in an effort at
restoring trust through news articles, news conferences, interviews,
meeting with directors of media outlets, and having days of reflection
with media. Throughout, the archdiocese has sought to establish
credibility with all media outlets through availability and the honest
disclosure of all pertinent information.
Required Action #1 directed the Archdiocese to “provide the numbers of
all educators, employees, volunteers and children who have received the
safe environment training.” After being notified of Required Action #1,
the Archdiocese conducted a survey of its 249 parishes and schools to
obtain the information required. The survey indicated that 96% of
educators, employees, and volunteers who have regular contact with minors,
as well as the children participating in school and parishes programs,
have received safe environment training. The survey also indicated that
there are definite plans in the near future for the remaining 4% to
receive this training.
The archdiocese was cited for not completing the background checks.
Such checks were in the process of being completed when the audit
occurred. The background checks have been completed.