2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Lake Charles
Edward K. Braxton, Bishop
Previous Audit Conducted 8/12
to 8/16/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of August 9 thru 13, 2004.
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 a victim assistance coordinator, Reverend Whitney
Miller PhD, who is a licensed, professional counselor with many years of
experience in the field. The diocese established in 2002 a Review Board
which consists of seven members The members include a college professor
who is also a spiritual director, a doctor of medicine who is also an
internist, an educator with a background in child psychology, a lawyer and
a school administrator with a background in both child and adolescent
psychology who are all lay people. The Vicar General and Victim Assistance
Coordinator are clergy representatives on the Board. The Board has met on
one occasion since being identified and has not served as a confidential
consultative body to the bishop. Roles and responsibilities are currently
being designed which will allow them to function in that capacity. A
required action was issued.
The procedures for making a complaint of abuse are not readily
available in printed form, and are not the subject of periodic public
announcements. A required action was issued. The diocese is currently
addressing these issues. The diocese has not entered into a
confidentiality agreement during the audit period.
The diocese reported all
allegations of sexual abuse of a minor to public authorities since the
last compliance audit. The diocese complies 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.
When accusations against a priest or a deacon are proven to be unfounded,
the diocese 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
diocesan policies provide that the offending priest or deacon 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. Accused clergy are encouraged to retain the
assistance of civil and canonical counsel. When necessary, the diocese
supplies canonical counsel to a priest or deacon.
If the penalty of dismissal from the clerical state has not been
applied, the diocese directs the offender to lead a life of prayer and
penance. The diocese 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 diocese does assist and
support all parish communities directly affected by ministerial misconduct
involving minors.
The diocese has fully implemented a "safe environment"
education program. The educational program for children is the Diocese of
Lake Charles Safe Environment Education Program; the educational program
for parents is the Diocese of Lake Charles Safe Environment Education
Program; the educational program for ministers is the Diocese of Lake
Charles Safe Environment Education Program; the educational program for
educators is the Diocese of Lake Charles Safe Environment Education
Program; and the educational program for others is the Diocese of Lake
Charles Safe Environment Education Program. 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 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, without
providing the proper notification to the new diocese of residence.
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
participated 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.
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
Article number two (2). The following Required Actions were issued:
Required Action #1: The diocese will establish and document
procedures and policies for the operation of the review board and schedule
regular, periodic meetings of the body.
Required Action #2: The diocese will prepare a document that
condenses reporting procedures and sets forth procedures a victim may
take. This document will be made available in diocese schools and
parishes.
Compliance with the Charter as of December 31, 2004
As of December 31, 2004, the Diocese of Lake Charles has satisfactorily
completed the required actions. The Diocese is found to be compliant with
all articles of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young
People.