The executive summary of a late October audit reported the Diocese of Sioux Falls “to be compliant with all articles of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.”
The summary was sent to the diocese following the on-site audit by the Gavin Group, an independent, Boston-based firm comprised primarily of former FBI agents.
Audits are being done on all 195 dioceses across the country to ensure that they are following the requirements of the Charter, which was created and approved by U.S. bishops in June 2002.
“This is a good and thorough process which gives us an objective view of what we are doing,” said Bishop Robert Carlson. “Our goal has been to ensure compassionate outreach and care to anyone harmed by church personnel in the past, as well as ensuring a safe environment going forward. This audit helps us make sure we stay on the right track.”
The first audit conducted in early September 2003 also found the diocese in full compliance.
“With the encouragement of our Diocesan Review Board, we have continued our decade long outreach to victims, knowing that they can only come forward when they are ready. We have also made significant efforts in the area of creating and maintaining a safe environment in our parishes and other institutions,” said Bishop Carlson.
Among the steps completed were background checks on all paid employees of the diocese or its institutions, as well as any volunteer in regular contact with children or vulnerable adults. Any new employees or volunteers also undergo the checks.
In addition, this summer a DVD was produced with a variety of segments relating to aspects of abuse of minors and vulnerable adults. This became required viewing for all employees and volunteers working with children or vulnerable adults.
“We truly hope that not only will we prevent abuse from occurring by someone representing the church, but that we will all better recognize signs of abuse around us and know what to do,” said Sister Mary Carole Curran, O.S.B., executive director of Catholic Family Services and the Victim Assistance Coordinator for the diocese.
The auditors reviewed documentation and interviewed a variety of people in the diocese, including review board members, pastors and diocesan staff members.