2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Archeparchy of Ukrainians, Philadelphia
Bishop Stefan Soroka
Previous Audit Conducted
9/15-9/18/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 11/1-5/2004.
The archeparchy has a policy on the
prevention of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The archeparchy will
provide outreach designed to offer pastoral care to victims/survivors and
their families if an allegation is received. The Archbishop will meet with
all victims/survivors who report allegations of abuse if an allegation is
received. The Archbishop will direct outreach to all faith communities in
which the sexual abuse occurred. The archeparchy 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 archeparchy has a victim assistance coordinator, Sister Natalya
Stoczanyn who has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree
in Family Systems. She is a former social worker. The archeparchy
established in 2003 a Review Board that consists of seven members. The
members include a physician, a priest experienced in canon law, and
Archbishop, a Christian therapist, a high school principal, a protective
services investigator and the VAC. The Board serves as a confidential
consultative body to the Archbishop.
The procedures for making a complaint of abuse are readily available in
printed form, and are the subject of periodic public announcements. The
Archeparchy has not entered into any confidentiality agreements during the
audit period.
The archeparchy did not report any allegations of sexual
abuse of a minor to public authorities since the last compliance audit as
there were no such allegations. The archeparchy will comply with all
applicable civil laws with respect to the reporting of allegations of
sexual abuse of minors to civil authorities. The archeparchy has
established effective liaison with civil authorities. The archeparchy will
cooperate with public authorities about reporting in cases when the person
is no longer a minor. In all instances, the archeparchy will advise
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, will be
initiated. If a preliminary investigation so indicates, the archeparchy
will notify the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith and apply 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 archeparchy will 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
policies provide that the offending priest or deacon be permanently
removed from ministry. The archeparchy will 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 are encouraged to retain the
assistance of civil and canonical counsel. When necessary, the archeparchy
will supply canonical counsel to a priest or deacon.
If the penalty of dismissal from the clerical state has not been
applied, the archeparchy would direct the offender to lead a life of
prayer and penance. The archeparchy would not allow the offender to
celebrate Mass publicly, to administer the sacraments, or to present
himself publicly as a priest.
The archeparchy has established clear and well-publicized standards of
ministerial behavior for priests and deacons. A communications policy is
in effect which reflects the Archbishop's pledge to be open and
transparent on issues regarding the sexual abuse of children. The
archeparchy will assist and support all parish communities directly
affected by ministerial misconduct involving minors.
The archeparchy has scheduled full
implemention of a "safe environment" education program. The educational
program for children is called “Kids and Company: Together for Safety.”
The educational program for parents; ministers; educators and others is
called “A Safe Place for Our Children”. The archeparchy has clear and well
publicized standards of conduct for persons in positions of trust with
regard to sexual abuse. The archeparchy conducts background evaluations on
all archeparchy and parish personnel who have regular contact with minors,
using appropriate law enforcement resources where permissible. The
archeparchy will employ adequate screening and evaluative techniques in
deciding the fitness of candidates for ordination when it has a candidate.
The archeparchy 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 archeparchy has not
transferred any priest or deacon who has had a credible allegation of
sexual abuse made against him to another diocese for residence since the
last audit.
The eparch, or his designee, coordinates with major superiors of men
with a presence in the archeparchy concerning addressing the issue of
allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy when appropriate. The
archeparchy has not had the opportunity to participate in research with
other institutions in the area of sexual abuse. The archeparchy 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 archeparchy was found to be compliant with all articles of the
Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.