2004 Audit Executive Summary: Diocese of Trenton

Bishop Joseph M. Smith
Previous Audit Conducted 7/21-24/2003

The information found herein represents conditions as they were found to exist during the week of 12/06-09/2004.

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. 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 two victim assistance coordinators: Msgr. Walter Nolan, who has been a priest for 35 years and holds a masters degree in counseling; and Mrs. Maureen Fitzsimmons, who is a licensed professional counselor with 18 years counseling experience and holds a masters degree in family counseling. The Diocese established in 1991 and in 2002 reconstituted a Review Board, which consists of nine members. The members include a psychologist, a registered nurse, a retired FBI agent, a counselor, a retired business executive, two retired judges and two priests. 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.


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

The Diocese received no allegations of sexual abuse of a minor since the last compliance audit. The Diocese has a policy requiring compliance 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. Diocesan policy provides that when accusations against a priest or a deacon are proven to be unfounded, the Diocese will 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 will 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. Diocesan policy provides that accused clergy will be encouraged to retain the assistance of civil and canonical counsel and that, when necessary, the Diocese will supply canonical counsel to a priest or deacon.

Diocesan policy provides that if the penalty of dismissal from the clerical state is not applied, the Diocese will direct the offender to lead a life of prayer and penance. The policy is that the offender will not be allowed 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 that reflects the Bishop's pledge to be open and transparent on issues regarding the sexual abuse of children. The Diocese assists and supports 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 a "safe environment" education program in place, but is in the process of implementing a more uniform program of instruction for children. The educational program for children is currently parish-based and consists of several different courses, to include “Child Assault Prevention”, “Good Touch/Bad Touch”, “Healthy Boundaries” and “Talking About Touching”; the educational program for parents, ministers, educators and others is “Protecting God’s Children for Adults”. 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. 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 since the last audit.
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.


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.

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Office of Child & Youth Protection | 3211 4th Street, N.E., Washington DC 20017-1194 | (202) 541-3000 © USCCB. All rights reserved.





Office of Child & Youth Protection | 3211 4th Street, N.E., Washington DC 20017-1194 | (202) 541-3000 © USCCB. All rights reserved.