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| January 2004 |
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| Independent audit shows "full compliance"
with charter by diocese |
Jerome Klein
Chancellor
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Independent auditors have determined
that the Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls is in full compliance
with “The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young
People.” The Charter was established in June of 2002 by
the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to address clergy sexual
abuse of minors.
The audit, conducted in early September, was part of the process
of reviews of all Catholic dioceses across the country. It considered
all policies, procedures, and actions surrounding sexual abuse
by clergy. The executive summary for the Diocese of Sioux Falls
stated, “the audit found no deficiencies.”
“I know the care we have tried to take in appropriately
addressing this painful issue, but I very much appreciate the
opportunity to have an outside view of just how we have done,”
said Bishop Robert Carlson. “Our goal has been and continues
to be two fold: to help anyone harmed in the past and to do
all we can to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults
going forward.”
The auditors used measures put forward in the Charter regarding
the promotion of healing and reconciliation, effective response
to allegations of abuse, accountability of procedures, and protection
of faithful in the future. In all areas they found the diocese
to be in full compliance.
Some members of the diocesan review board were interviewed by
the auditors, and the entire board recently reviewed the audit
findings. “We noted that the auditors had three categories
in which to detail non-compliance, recommendations for improvement,
or commendations for excellent practices,” said review
board chair Deacon Leon Cantin. “And we agree with their
decision to give a commendation to Bishop Carlson for his work
with abuse victims.” The commendation reads “for
the quality of the Bishop’s initiative in responding to
allegations of sexual abuse of minors and his pastoral outreach
to victims of clergy abuse.”
Bishop Carlson said that thanks to excellent pastoral response
from Bishop Paul Dudley and his staff, “it has not been
difficult for me to continue to reach out to victims who can
only come forward when they are ready.” Even though there
have been no known situations of clergy sexual abuse of minors
in over a decade, there are still some victims just now able
to deal with what happened to them perhaps 30, 40 or even 50
years ago.
“Again, we welcome and encourage anyone harmed to contact
me, our victim response coordinator, chancellor or vice chancellor.
We stand ready to help in whatever way we can,” said Bishop
Carlson. (see adjacent box for contact information)
Auditors also noted the quality of the review board calling
it “a diverse, experienced” board. In addition,
the diocese is unique in having a “compliance coordinator”
to ensure that all state, Charter, and diocesan policies are
being followed.
Though in compliance, the diocese is continuing to pursue ways
to ensure a “safe environment” for children in parish
programs and Catholic schools. Additional training for teachers,
catechists, parents and children is being planned.
“We know that we have an opportunity to help, not just
our Catholic community, but far beyond deal with a significant
societal issue,” said Bishop Carlson. “Abuse by
clergy is scandalous, horrendous and absolutely contrary to
the Gospel. But we must also help society address abuse in families,
between spouses and other settings.
Bishop Carlson offered his own commendation to the staff and
volunteers at diocesan parishes and schools who have already
completed a background check process and initial training at
last summer’s ministry day gathering.
“They have been generous in understanding the reasons
these things are necessary and I believe we all have the common
goal of creating and maintaining an environment that is safe,”
he said. “In that setting, we can effectively teach about
God’s great love for us.”
Nationwide audit results are scheduled to be released soon.
Nationwide numbers gathered in an unprecedented study by the
John Jay College will also be released sometime in the next
few months. No other organization has attempted to compile such
comprehensive numbers, with the goal of better understanding
the scope of the issue finding even more effective ways to address
problems.
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