How the church screens child predators

OREGON
KOIN

[with video]

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Archdioces in Oregon perform background checks on priests, just like many employers do, but it isn’t enough to keep predators out of the system.

Friday, Scappoose, Ore. priest Michael Patrick appeared in court on charges related to an incident where he allegedly tried to lure a teenage girl into his car April 12 and last week, former Corvallis priest Stanley Brittain was arrested on child abuse and child pornography charges.

Priests are run through background checks, but if they have not previously offended, they are cleared.

Portland Catholic Archdiocese Director of Child and Victim Assistance Cathy Shannon said the church is trying to be more vigilant in screening people who could pose a threat to parishioners.

“[We perform] criminal background check on all employees, all volunteers who work with minors,and all of our clergy.”

Prospective priests are run through the sex-offender registry and must pass an in-depth interview process.

Note: This is an Abuse Tracker excerpt. Click the title to view the full text of the original article. If the original article is no longer available, see our News Archive.