BishopAccountability.org
	2 Dioceses in Arizona Pass Anti-Abuse Audit Both Compliant in Efforts to Protect Children By Michael Clancy The Arizona Republic [Arizona] January 4, 2005 The Dioceses of Phoenix and Tucson have continued to comply with U.S. bishops' efforts to reduce the sexual abuse of children and teens by priests and other church employees and volunteers. The Phoenix Diocese received word that it had passed its annual compliance audit late last week. Tucson learned of its compliance before Christmas. Auditors hired by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops were in Arizona in early December. Their goal was to monitor compliance with the bishops' Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, put into place in June 2002. The charter requires that bishops nationwide institute a series of programs aimed at addressing the sexual abuse crisis that has afflicted the church, particularly in 2001 and 2002. Among the programs are widespread training for church employees and volunteers, background checks, and care for abuse victims and parishes. It also requires dioceses to report allegations to civil authorities. In Phoenix, auditors last year found the diocese needed to improve its training programs and background checks. A follow-up audit determined the diocese had made adequate progress in those areas. Kathleen McChesney, executive director of the bishops' Office of Child and Youth Protection, called the Phoenix results "quite impressive." The policies have provided a way to manage the abuse crisis, but have not eliminated it. Just last week a prominent Catholic priest in Mesa, Monsignor Dale Fushek of St. Timothy parish, was accused in a sexual misconduct matter. In compliance with the charter, Fushek was suspended, authorities were notified, and outreach efforts to his parish were begun. In Tucson, continuing civil lawsuits forced the diocese into bankruptcy in September.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.