2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Eparchy of Stamford
Bishop Basil H. Losten
Previous Audit Conducted
06/23/2003 – 09/25/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 10/25/2004.
The Eparchy of Stamford has a policy
on the prevention of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The eparchy
provides outreach designed to offer pastoral care to victims/survivors and
their families. Although there have been no victims, the Bishop or his
representative would meet with, or offer to meet with all
victims/survivors who would report allegations of abuse. The Bishop or his
delegate would direct outreach to all faith communities in which the
sexual abuse occurred. The eparchy 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 eparchy has a victim assistance coordinator, Helen Balaban, who has
professional degrees and has experience in child sexual trauma. The
eparchy established in September of 2002, a Review Board which consists of
six members. The members include an attorney, a school director, a
professor, an educator, a homemaker, and a priest. The Board serves as a
confidential consultative body to the Bishop.
The procedures for making a complaint of abuse are readily available in
printed form, and are the subject of periodic public announcements. The
eparchy has not entered into a confidentiality agreement during the audit
period.
The eparchy had no allegations of sexual abuse of a minor
to report to public authorities since the last compliance audit. The
eparchy complies with all applicable civil laws with respect to the
reporting of allegations of sexual abuse of minors to civil authorities.
The eparchy has established effective liaison with civil authorities,
ensuring that an open dialogue regarding sexual abuse allegations will
occur. The eparchy cooperates with public authorities about reporting in
cases when the person is no longer a minor. In all instances, the eparchy
would 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, is
initiated. If a preliminary investigation so indicates, the eparchy
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 eparchy 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
eparchial policies provide that the offending priest or deacon be
permanently removed from ministry. The eparchy 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 eparchy
supplies canonical counsel to a priest or deacon.
If the penalty of dismissal from the clerical state has not been
applied, the eparchy directs the offender to lead a life of prayer and
penance. The eparchy does not allow the offender to celebrate Mass
publicly, to administer the sacraments, or to present himself publicly as
a priest.
The eparchy 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 eparchy would assist
and support all parish communities directly affected by ministerial
misconduct involving minors.
The eparchy has fully implemented a "safe environment"
education program. The educational program for children is the “Child
Lures” program implemented by the Catholic schools; the educational
program for parents is “What Do I Say Now”; the educational program for
ministers is “Somebody Told”; the educational program for educators is
“Somebody Told”; and the educational program for others is “Somebody
Told”. The eparchy has clear and well publicized standards of conduct for
persons in positions of trust with regard to sexual abuse. The eparchy
conducts background evaluations for all eparchial and parish personnel who
have regular contact with minors, using appropriate law enforcement
resources where permissible. The eparchy employs adequate screening and
evaluative techniques in deciding the fitness of candidates for
ordination.
The eparchy 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 eparchy 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 Bishop, or his designee, has coordinated with major superiors of
men with a presence in the eparchy concerning the issue of allegations of
sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The eparchy has not had the opportunity
to participate in research with other institutions in the area of sexual
abuse.. The eparchy 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 eparchy was found to be compliant with all articles
of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.