2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Archdiocese of Detroit
Adam Cardinal Maida
Audit Conducted
09/13--17/2004
Previous Audit Conducted 06/02-06/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 09/13-17/2004
The Archdiocese has a policy on the
prevention of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The Archdiocese provides
outreach designed to offer pastoral care to victims/survivors and their
families. The Cardinal 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 Cardinal 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 three victim assistance coordinators,
Sister Beverly Hindson, Mrs. Robin Cronin and Mrs. Jacqueline Smith, all
of whom have significant experience in counseling of abuse victims. The
Archdiocese established in September 2002 a Review Board, which consists
of seven members. The members include two judges, a Michigan Appellate
judge who acts as the chairman, and a retired Circuit Court judge. Other
members include an executive administrator for a major hospital, a staff
member for Wayne County Prosecutors office, a retired school psychologist,
a practicing clinical psychologist, and a member of the clergy who is a
canon lawyer. The Board serves as a confidential consultative body to the
Cardinal.
The procedures for making a complaint of abuse are
readily available in printed form, and are routinely the subject of
periodic public announcements. The Archdiocese has not entered into any
confidentiality agreements during the audit period.
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 policies provide 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, to administer the
sacraments, or to present himself publicly as a 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 Cardinal’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 fully implemented a "safe
environment" education program. The educational program for children is
“Touching Safety”; the educational program for parents is “Touching
Safety” and “Protecting God’s Children for Adults”; the educational
program for ministers is “Protecting God’s Children for Adults”; the
educational program for educators is “Touching God’s Children”; and the
educational program for others is “Protecting God’s Children for Adults.”
The Archdiocese has clear and well-publicized standards of conduct for
persons in positions of trust with regard to sexual abuse. The Archdiocese
conducts background evaluations for all Archdiocesan and parish personnel
who have regular contact with minors, using appropriate law enforcement
resources where permissible. 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. Two priests who
have had a credible allegation of sexual abuse made against them have
transferred to another diocese for residence. In both instances, the
receiving dioceses were provided the proper notification.
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.