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.

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 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.


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

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.


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

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.


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 with the exception of Articles number 12 & 13. The following Required Actions were issued:

REQUIRED ACTION # 1 (Article 12) SAFE ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMS

  1. Provide the number of volunteers within the diocese and provide a training schedule indicating when the remainder of the volunteers will be trained.

  2. Provide a schedule for the safe environment training for the remainder of the priests.
REQUIRED ACTION # 2 (Article 13) BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS

Provide 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, 2004

As 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.

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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.