10 Year Progress Report VAC LISTSERV QUESTION: November 18, 2011 Dear VAC/SEC, The National Review Board has asked Bernie and I to work on a 10 year progress report of the implementation of the Charter. Because much of what we do today is built on work of pioneers, we’d like information on what was happening prior to 2002. We know many, if not most, dioceses/eparchies had policies prior to 2002 and many dioceses/eparchies had VAC or SEC offices. Could you let us know if: 1) your diocese had policies prior to 2002; 2) your diocese had a SE office prior to 2002? Thanks for your help! We will keep you informed [and ask for help] as the plans for the progress report firm up. Happy Thanksgiving! Mary Jane Mary Jane Doerr Associate Director Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection USCCB 3211 Fourth St., NE Washington, DC 20017 202-541-5413 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ TABLE OF CONTENTS St. Louis, MO Portland, OR Dallas, TX Omaha, NE Colorado Springs, CO Joliet, IL Evansville, IN Baton Rouge, LA Seattle, WA Little Rock, AR Crookston, MN San Diego, CA Alexandria, LA Juneau, AK Dodge City, KS Madison, WI Kansas City-St. Joseph, MO Covington, KY Orange, CA Savannah, GA Indianapolis, IN Rockville Centre, NY Bridgeport, CT Youngstown, OH Boston, MA Albany, NY Washington, D.C. Raleigh, NC Sioux Falls, SD Rochester, NY Helena, MT Dubuque, IA Rapid City, IA Cincinnati, OH Trenton, NJ Kalamazoo, MI Winona, MN Tucson, AZ Spokane, WA Green Bay, WI New Ulm, MN Baker, OR Pittsburgh, PA St. Petersburg, FL Los Angeles, CA Atlanta, GA Hartford, CT Buffalo, NY Fall River, MA Fresno, CA Toledo, OH Philadelphia, PA Oakland, CA Louisville, KY Manchester, NH Columbus, OH Portland, ME New Orleans, LA Owensboro, KY Arlington, VA Pensacola-Tallahassee, FL Orlando, FL Fargo, ND Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, PA Jefferson City, MO Lansing, MI Allentown, PA Fort Wayne-South Bend, IN Scranton, PA Charlotte, NC Santa Rosa, CA Belleville, IL Saginaw, MI Davenport, IA Santa Fe, NM Camden, NJ Jackson, MS Brooklyn, NY San Jose, CA Fort Worth, TX Erie, PA Newark, NJ Monterey, CA Springfield-Cape Girardeau, MO Baltimore, MD _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Policies Prior to 2002? SE Office Prior to 2002? St. Louis, MO Yes 80s and 90s No Portland, OR Dallas, TX Omaha, NE Yes Yes Yes (Not implemented) Yes Late 80s early 90s Yes June 14, 1990, revisions in 9/93; 6/97; 6/03; 7/08 No Yes No Evansville, IN Baton Rouge, LA Seattle, WA Yes Yes Yes Early 90s No No No Little Rock, AR Yes 12/18/87 No Yes Yes Yes 1993-Rev: 2000 & 2003 Yes No No Diocese Colorado Springs, CO Joliet, IL Crookston, MN San Diego, CA Alexandria, LA Juneau, AK Dodge City, KS Madison, WI Child Safety Cmte. before ’02 and genessaret cmte. since ’96. Director of SE-1996 No No Review Cmte.-in 93 composed of lay not in employ of diocese Had VAC before ‘02(the Chancellor/Comm. Dir) Had a board before 02 Blue Ribbon Cmte in late 80s 89-Training and backgrounds on emp&vols VAC around this time No No No No Yes No Kansas City-St. Joseph, MO Yes 1986 (Revised 88, 94, 96, etc) Yes VAC in 2000 Covington, KY Yes Orange, CA Yes No (Still no “office”) No Savannah, GA Yes Late 80s Yes Indianapolis, IN Other? No No Review Board before 2002 Immediate Response Team-in 93 this split into response team ad review board Sensitive Issues Cmte before 2002-name changed to Review Board Diocese Policies Prior to 2002? SE Office Prior to 2002? VAC/SEC roles assumed by chancellor before 2002 No No No Procedures handled by various staff No Rockville Centre, NY Bridgeport, CT Youngstown, OH No Yes Yes 1994 Boston, MA Yes Early 90s Albany, NY Yes No Washington, D.C. Raleigh, NC Yes 1986:Updated 1993, 1997, 2003, and 2007 No No 2003- HR handled before then No Sioux Falls, SD Rochester, NY Yes Yes No No Helena, MT Yes 1993 Dubuque, IA Rapid City, SD Yes Yes 1993 Yes 1993 No But Chancellor designated to handle SE issues No No Cincinnati, OH No Trenton, NJ Yes Early 1990s No Kalamazoo, MI Yes Late 1990s No Winona, MN Yes UNK Other? Review Board in early 90s and services for surviviors Review Board before 2002 Vicar General as VAC before 4/2003 Before 2002: Review Board Pastoral Response Team Background Checks Code of Conduct Training-1994 VAC-1993 Review Board-1994 Counseling since 1993. SEC and VAC handled by Chancellor. Diocesan Response Team-Early 1990sexpanded and renamed DRB in 2002. Prior to 2002: Procedures for handling allegations and removing priests were followed and background checks were done. Diocese Tucson, AZ Spokane, WA Green Bay, WI New Ulm Policies Prior to 2002? 1987-rev: 1993 Yes Yes Mid 90s Yes 1973 (no copy) 1988 –hard copy Yes 1990 SE Office Prior to 2002? No Yes Evolving Process No 2004 No Baker, OR Pittsburgh, PA No Yes 1980s-informal 1993-official No No St. Petersburg, FL Yes 1991 Yes 1989 No August 2004 No 2002 – Before 2002 handled by Vicar of Clergy Office Yes Project Aware Office No Los Angeles, CA Atlanta, GA Hartford, CT Yes 1993 Yes 1990 Buffalo, NY Fall River, MA Yes Yes 1993 Fresno, CA Yes Toledo, OH Yes 1988-Rev: 1995, 2002 Yes Yes 1988-Rev:1993 Philadelphia, PA Oakland, CA Louisville, KY Yes 1993 Manchester, NH Yes Other? No Yes 1993-Office of Child Protection No Yes No No A role in Chancellor’s office No Formal VAC-2002 SEP-2003 No Issued Videos regarding sexual abuse, exploitation, and harassment in 1987. 1993-Had a VAC. Late 80s early 90s: Ministerial Assessment Board Late 1980s: Bishop met with Victims 1994: Sexual Abuse Advisory Boardrevamped in 2002 1990s: Had a cmte that acted as review board which was created in 2003. Sensitive Claims Committee before 2002 First SEC/VAC in 1995. 2000: Apology Service Diocese Policies Prior to 2002? Columbus, OH Portland, ME No Yes 1987, 1991 New Orleans, LA Yes 1994 Owensboro, KY Yes 1985 Arlington, VA Yes 1991 Yes 1998 Pensacola-Tallahassee, FL Orlando, FL Yes 1985 Fargo, ND Yes 1989 Archeparchy of Pittsburgh Jefferson City, MO No Lansing, MI Yes 1991 Yes Late 80s/Early 90s (when USCCB addressed the issue) Allentown, PA Fort Wayne-South Bend, IN Yes Yes Scranton, PA Yes 11-3-1989 Yes 1989 Charlotte, NC SE Office Prior to 2002? But did offer outreach services No No Implemented graduallyunified in 2004 No 2002-Office of Religious Ed 2009-Office of SE No Other? 1993: First Review Board Prior to 2002: Priest trained, review board established, policies/procedures revised. Bishop talked and met with victims. No 2002 No Handled by Chancellor’s Office before 2002. No Chancellor & SEC in HR No A Msgr. conducted interviews No 2002 No No No No Office of Vicar General handled before first audit No No Still no-HR currently Mid 1990s: Background Checks and Fingerprints-school employees, DREs, CYMs, diocesan emp., and catechists No VAC before 2002 Diocese Santa Rosa, CA Belleville, IL Saginaw, MI Davenport, IA Santa Fe, NM Camden, NJ Policies Prior to 2002? Yes 1995 Yes 90s Yes 1989 Yes Rev. in 99 Yes 1990 Yes Jackson, MS Yes 1986, Rev:1994 Brooklyn, NY Yes 1987 Yes 1981 San Jose, CA Fort Worth, TX Yes Erie, PA Yes 1986 Yes Mid 1980s Newark, NJ Monterey, CA Springfield-Cape Girardeau, MO Baltimore, MD SE Office Prior to 2002? handles No No No No Other? Had a Sensitive Issues Committee Did have Review Board and Review Board Administrator Had the equivalent of a VAC before 2002. Had a video for priests, school and faith formation staff, and volunteers had to see yearly. Staff, priests, and volunteers that worked with children regularly had background check. No Chancellor was VAC No September 2004 No Office of Child Protection: 2003 No 2002 No Sensitive Incident Team 2002-The Office for the (SIT) Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults No Bishop, Chancellor, and Personnel Dir. handled allegations and needs for safety measures No No Yes 1994 No No Yes Mid 1980s No No 1993: Archdiocesan Response Team (now the Archdiocesan Review Board) Sensitive Issues committee before 2002 Diocese Policies Prior to 2002? SE Office Prior to 2002? TOTALS: Y: 77 N: 8 Y: 7 N: 78 Other? St. Louis, MO We had policies dating back to 1980’s and 1990’s. We also had a child safety committee in place before 2002 and our genessaret committee since 1996 (renamed and morphed into our present review board). We did not have an sep office prior to 2002. Deacon Phil Hengen, MSW Director, Office of Child and Youth Protection Terry responded about the earlier years and here was her response. Let me know if you need anything more. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. “We did not have Safe Environment policies in place before 2002, and we did not have an SE Office in place before 2006. From 2002 - 2006 all SE issues were handled by committee - HR Office, IT Office, Risk management and attorneys. However, there has been a child safety committee in place since the early '90's I believe, and that became the sounding board for all of our SE policy issues. Moreover I know our Archdiocese was doing regular background checks on teachers before public schools were.” Sandra Price, MSW, LCSW Director, Safe Environment Program Portland, OR The Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon did have policies prior to 2002. We did not have an SE Office prior to 2002. Cathy Shannon Director of Child Protection/Victim Assistance Dallas, TX The Diocese of Dallas had policies prior to 2002 and have a Director of Safe Environment since 1999. Barbara Landregan, MA, MPM Director of Safe Environment Omaha, NE Yes we had policies prior to 2002. No “official” SE office , nor were the policies implemented. Mary Beth Hanus Colorado Springs, CO Although I was not here, the Diocese of Colorado Springs instituted a Sexual Misconduct Policy in the late 80’s or early 90’s. The founding Bishop (Richard Hanifen), was a canon lawyer and also had a counseling degree. He understood the law as well as human behavior. He would respond very quickly to reports of suspicious behavior. This diocese was blessed in that area from its beginning in 1984. Ed Gaffney Joliet, IL The Diocese of Joliet first promulgated a policy regarding sexual abuse of minors on June 14, 1990. Revisions to that policy were published in September 1993, June 1997, June 2003 and July 2008. (We will be revising our policy sometime in 2012.) We had a Review Committee that dealt with allegations. In 1993, the Committee was restructured to include mostly lay persons not in the employment of the diocese. I was the first Victim Assistance Coordinator (in addition to being Chancellor and Communications Director) and served in that position until 2002 when someone else was appointed as VAC and another person was appointed as Director of Communications. Sister Judith Davies, OSF Chancellor Evansville, IN We did have policies prior to 2002 but did not have a SE office. Judy Neff Chancellor Baton Rouge, LA Baton Rouge had a board and policies before 2002. Amy J. Cordon Director, Office of Child and Youth Protection Seattle, WA In the late 1980s then Archbishop Hunthausen formed what was called the Blue Ribbon Committee which was made up of experts in the field of child sexual abuse, offender treatment specialists, representatives from law enforcement, representatives from the prosecuting attorney’s office, canon lawyers, and various chancery staff. This group advised the Archbishop and recommended that the Archdiocese perform criminal background checks, train employees and volunteers in child abuse prevention and create polices and protocols to address and respond to abuse and misconduct. This group remained in place (with some changes in personnel obviously) until the Charter required a Review Board. In 1989 the Archdiocese of Seattle began training all employees and those volunteers with access to children or vulnerable adults. At that same time (1989) we began requiring criminal background checks on all employees and volunteers with access to minors or vulnerable adults. Around this time the Archbishop also appointed our first Victim Assistance Coordinator. By the early 1990s we had abuse/misconduct policies and protocols in place. Denise Aubuchon Associate Director - Human Resources/Pastoral Outreach Coordinator Little Rock, AR 1. We did have policies prior to 2002 (our first policy was promulgated by Bishop Andrew McDonald on 12/18/1987) 2. We did not have a SE office prior to 2002 Teri Tribby Chancery/Safe Environment Office Crookston, MN In Crookston they did not. Jim Clauson San Diego, CA In the Diocese of San Diego we had a relatively clear and consistent practice for dealing with sexual misconduct which we initially turned into a policy and then amended it when the Charter was published. There was no SE office prior to then. Regarding this issue, I would suggest that you be specific when you inquire about the existence and level of staffing of current SE offices, i.e. are the officers full time and do they have other responsibilities. Rod Valdivia Alexandria, LA The Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana had no policy regarding a Charter, nor was there any SEC, VAC to deal with issues of abuse. Mary Girard Our Bishop’s office reports that, “yes, the diocese did have a policy [on sexual abuse in place]….back then.” They “have a working copy of the old policy, but…don’t know when it was promulgated.” We did not have a “SE office” prior to 2002. Pam Delrie Juneau, AK We’ve had a Sexual Abuse Policy since 1993, revised in 2000 and again in 2003 as well as a Code of Conduct. We established our VAC, SEC and Review Board in 2002. Roberta Izzard Assistant to the Bishop Victim Assistance Coordinator Safe Environment Coordinator Dodge City, KS The Dodge City Diocese had both...a SE office and policies before 2002. Donna Staab, VAM 1. In 1993 a Sexual Abuse Policy was established. The policy included much of what is required today: background checks required for bishops, priests, deacons and employees; establishment of an assistance minister, review board and fitness review administrator. 2. We did not have a Safe Environment office. Sister Janice Grochowsky, CSJ, JCL Madison, WI Madison had a review board prior to 2002 and but the office of SE was added after the charter was approved. Kevin R. Phelan Chancellor - Diocese of Madison Kansas City-St. Joseph, MO Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, MO had developed its first policy governing sexual misconduct in 1988. The policy included lay involvement in responding to reports of sexual abuse. We had no victims' assistance coordinator, but we had what was called an Immediate Response Team. That team had a former prosecutor, a former editor of the Kansas City Star newspaper, a mental health professional, and two members of the clergy. In 1993, the Immediate Response Team split into: a Response Team and an Independent Review Board. Mary Frances Horton, Coordinator Safe Environment Programs Covington, KY In Covington there was a policy prior to 2002. Even now we do not have an "office" for SEC. In 2003 Virtus was implemented. Prior to 2003 the adult training was focused on diocesan policy and procedures. Margaret Schack Orange, CA Diocese of Orange had a policy before 2002 and a sensitive issues committee that the name was changed to review bd w the charter but we did not have an office until 2002 Shirl Giacomi Savannah, GA Written policy since the late 80’s. No VAC or SEC prior to Charter implementation. Stephen B. Williams Director, Office of Child & Youth Protection Indianapolis, IN We had a policy, but did not have a VAC or SEC. Those roles were assumed by our chancellor at the time. Ed Isakson Rockville Centre, NY In the Diocese of Rockville Centre prior to 2002 there was many variations on the theme: first, under Bishop McGann prior to 2002 there was a sort of “troika” or team of three priests who worked on dealing with cases of clergy sex abuse; second, when Bishop Murphy arrived in 2001, he appointed a Priest Delegate for Pastoral Intervention who worked with a Pastoral Intervention Team that consisted of a former Nassau Co. PD commissioner and a MSW (religious/sister) and a large Diocesan Review Board; third, Bishop Murphy disbanded the Pastoral Intervention concept and in 2003 established the Diocesan Office for the Protection of Children and Young People which, as you know, continues in today. In 2008, we selected a new Diocesan Review Board to replace the DRB established in 2001. Eileen F. Puglisi, M.S.,P.D. Director Office for the Protection of Children and Young People Bridgeport, CT The Diocese of Bridgeport had policies prior to 2002. The Safe Environment program was in effect after 2002. Erin Neil Youngstown, OH Our first formal policy was 1994. We did not have a separate SE office but had procedures in place; those responsibilities were handled by various staff members. Nancy L. Yuhasz, Chancellor Boston, MA Mary Jane in Boston we had policies and a review board established in the early 90’s and services for survivors were offered as well. No safe environment program was established before 2002. Bob Kelley Director Office Child Advocacy Albany, NY Mary Jane: Q: Could you let us know if: 1) Your diocese had policies prior to 2002; Yes. The Albany diocese did have a policy regarding the handling of abuse complaints prior to 2002. It also had a review Board functioning since 1993 2) Your diocese had a SE office prior to 2002? The Albany diocese did not have an SE office prior to 2002 Terry Rodrigues Washington, D.C. The Archdiocese of Washington has had a written child protection policy since 1986. The policy was updated twice prior to the Charter, in 1993 and again in 1999. In response to the Charter the policy was reviewed again and updated in 2003. It was also updated in 2007. The policy has been reviewed again during the past year by our Child Protection Advisory Board. They have made recommendations for changes which focus mainly on making the policy clearer and more "user friendly". The Archdiocese's Office of Child Protection Services was created and staffed in 2003. Prior to that time our Office of Human Resources was actively involved in carrying out the child protection policies that we had in place prior to 2003. They developed a database of persons who worked or volunteered with children, did fingerprinting, and background checks of these individuals, and worked with the parishes on making sure that they were following the policies. Hope this response answers your questions? If not please contact me. Marcia Zvara Director Office of Child Protection Services I just wanted to add to my previous response that one of the Bishops who served as the Vicar General at that time served as the Victim Assistance Coordinator prior to the establishment of the Office of Child Protection Services and my hiring in 4/2003. Marcy Raleigh, NC Prior to 2002 Raleigh had: A Review Board A pastoral response team – precursor to Assistance Ministry and parish intervention Background checks for some employees and clergy United Code of conduct – one code for all in ministry Safe environment office created upon promulgation of the Charter, Dr. John A. Pendergrass Office of Child and Youth Protection Sioux Falls, SD Our diocese of Sioux Falls, South Dakota had policies prior to 2002, but did not have an SE office prior to then. Jean Lorang Rochester, NY - The Diocese of Rochester has had policies in place prior to 2002 - and training (education and awareness) began in 1994. My role as VAC began in 1993... and the role of SEC was added (with 3 people sharing these responsibilities) in 2002. My role of SEC was somewhat in place in 1994 since we did training at that time, but it wasn't called the SEC. Also, we had a Review Board in place in 1994 - but it was called the Bishop's Advisory Committee. Background checks were not done until 2002. If I can help you further in anyway, please don't hesitate to ask.... and in case no one has told you recently - thank you for all you do for us...and remaining our rock! Barb Pedeville Helena, MT Our first diocesan policy was issued in 1993 and we had the equivalent of an SE officer at that same time. Thanks, Carmae Fawaz The Diocese of Helena has had a policy in place since 1993. After the Dallas Charter that policy was revised to be in compliance with the Charter and revised every time there were Charter revisions. We did not have a Safe Environment Office at that time but there was a person identified (the Chancellor) who handled Safe Environment issues. Helen Beausoleil VAC Dubuque, IA 1. Yes, the Archdiocese of Dubuque had a policy prior to 2002 2. No, we did not have an SE office prior to 2002 Carol Gebhart Director of the Office for the Protection of Children Rapid City, SD 1). “Under the leadership of then-Bishop Charles Chaput OFM Cap. , the Diocese of Rapid City took decisive steps in 1993 to deal openly and directly with the scandal of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. One of those steps was the Human Sexuality Issues for Those in Ministry document, which invited victims to come forward for healing and pastoral support and provided a clear statement as to how the diocese would handle such matters.” (Quote taken from the Sexual Misconduct Policy 2003 Promulgation letter written by Bishop Blase Cupich). 2). No we did not have a Safe Environment office prior to 2002. Linda Severns Faith Formation/Safe Environment Director Cincinnati, OH The first Decree in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati was in 1993, and counseling has been provided to survivors of abuse since that time as well. Safe Environment and Victim’s Assistance were handled by the Chancellor. Archbishop Pilarczyk was president of the USCCB at that time and was a pioneer in initiating that Decrees be developed in dioceses throughout the country. Sandra Keiser, MSW, LISW-S, CFLE Community Education Specialist and Consultant Catholic Charities of SouthWestern Ohio Trenton, NJ In response to Mary Jane's email, I'm forwarding the following information. In the early 1990's a formal policy was established to deal with abuse complaints and a Diocesan Response Team was created to act as an advisory board, ensuring an immediate response to allegations of sexual abuse by anyone in the work of the Church. In 2002 the size and scope of this Team was expanded, renamed the Diocesan Review Board, and our sexual abuse policy of 1993 was revised in the spirit of the Charter. We did not have a SE office prior to 2002 Maureen Fitzsimmons, LPC, NCC Associate Victim Assistance Coordinator Kalamazoo, MI The Diocese of Kalamazoo had policies and procedures since the late 1990s. Procedures for handling allegations and removing priests were followed. Background checks were done prior to Charter, but not sure on who and when. Training was not instituted until Charter. There was no office before 2002. Hope this helps all! Mary Jane Winona, MN The Diocese of Winona had policies written in 1987 and revised in 1993. I don’t know when the SEC office was first created. Even though we have had a SEC office for some time, it was only until recently that someone started working there . Peter Martin Tucson, AZ 1. Began a "Sensitive Claims Committee" to consider allegations and respond to victims in the late 1980s. This was a response to the first awareness in the USCCB of better ways to respond to allegations; that is, to include a formal consultative process and support for victims. 2. Began an educational program for child abuse awareness and prevention in the mid-1990s. This program was initiated in collaboration with Child Protective Services. I hope the retrospective and 10-year report will be successful. It would be helpful to have a plan for marking the anniversary in June. We will certainly join with whatever plan you all propose. Paul N. Duckro, Ph.D., Director Office of Child, Adolescent and Adult Protection Spokane, WA The Diocese of Spokane, Washington was doing SE training before 1995 and had an “abuse” committee even earlier. Policies were also developed about that time and brought into line with Charter when it was developed. The actual formation of an SE Office was an evolutionary process with that role being added to the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Duane Fischer who still handles it all. The VAC role was formally developed and filled in 2002 but a designated person at Catholic Charities took calls regarding abuse earlier. Roberta Smith, VAC Green Bay, WI We had a policy as far back as 1973 in our written history but have no copy of the policy. Our first hard copy which we have was 1988. In 2002 our Chancellor was designated as the VAC. In 2004 the Safe Environment office was started. Our chancellor then became the VAC only and another Chancellor was appointed. Ann Fox New Ulm, NM The Diocese of New Ulm issued videos re. sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment in 1987, and issued a formal Sexual Misconduct Policy in 1990. The diocese did not have a Safe Environment Office prior to 2002. Christopher Loetscher Social Concerns & Family Life Office Baker, OR Mary Jane, the answer to both of these questions is no. Peggy Buselli Pittsburgh, PA In the Diocese or Pittsburgh, there were informal, internal policies in the 1980’s that served as the basis for the official Clergy Sexual Misconduct policy that was first publically promulgated in 1993. 1993 is also when I began my work for the diocese as “VAC” though that was not my title at the time. There was also a Ministerial Assessment Board (a forerunner to the current Review Board) in the late 80s- early 90s. It was also the practice of our then Bishop Donald Wuerl to meet with victims personally as early as the late 1980s. Attorneys at that time frowned on that practice but Bishop Wuerl (now Cardinal Wuerl) continued to reach out pastorally to victims anyway. We did not have an Office for the Protection of Children and Young People until after the Charter in 2002. Rita E. Flaherty, MSW, LSW Diocesan Assistance Coordinator St. Petersburg, FL For the Diocese of St. Petersburg, the following applies: 1. The Diocese of St. Petersburg published its first policy for the protection of children on June 10, 1991. 2. We did not have a SEC office until August of 2004. André Glaudé, MAOM, SPHR Safe Environment Program Manager Human Resources Department Los Angeles, CA Under the direction of Cardinal Mahony, during 1987 and 1988, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles discussed and formulated written policies and guidelines that were published in 1989. Since then, the policies and guidelines have been revised and improved. The Cardinal established a Sexual Abuse Advisory Board (SAAB) in 1994. In 2002, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles revamped the SAAB and renamed it the the Clergy Misconduct Oversight Board (CMOB) to reflect a new role. The Victim Assistance and the Safe Environment offices were formed in 2002. Prior to 2002, psychological and spiritual counseling was offered to survivors through the Vicar of Clergy Office. Suzanne Healy Atlanta, GA Here are the answers to your questions: 1) your diocese have policies prior to 2002; Yes, we did 2) your diocese have a SE office prior to 2002? It was a Project Aware office that dealt with allegations/awareness Jennifer Broel Safe Environment Director Office of Child and Youth Protection Yes, we have had policies in place since 1993 and an office that did much of what SE does now but not as widespread – it was called Project Aware. Sue Stubbs MS, NCC Director, Victim Assistance Program Office of Child and Youth Protection Hartford, CT Archdiocese of Hartford has had a code of conduct policy in place since 1990. It was revised in 2003 to meet the requirements of the Charter. A committee was active in the 90”s which acted as a review board for any cases that were presented. The present review board was created in 2003 in accordance with the requirements of the Charter. Please let me know if you have any questions. Dolores M. Skovich Safe Environment Coordinator Buffalo, NY The Buffalo Diocese also had formulated and written policies before 2002. Mary Ann Deibel-Braun Fall River, MA The diocese of Fall River MA, has had policies in place since 1993. It also had an Office of Child Protection established at the same time. Arlene McNamee Catholic Social Services Fresno, CA Fresno had a policy and Sensitive Claims Committee in place before 2002. The Safe Environment Office and SE Review Board was established after 2002. The Sensitive Claims Committee still exists, as well. Teresa Dominguez Victim Assistance & Safe Environment Manager Toledo, OH The Diocese of Toledo had a Sexual Abuse of Minors and Adult Sexual Misconduct Policy in 1988. The policy was revised in 1995 and our first VAC/SEC position was established full time as the Diocesan Case Manager in 1995. I was charged by our Bishop in 1997 as the new Case Manager. In 2002 our policy was revised substantially to reflect the Charter Norms, including many other additions. The 2002 policy was also renamed; “To Protect & To Heal” and the title of Case Manager remained the same— holding both VAC and SEC responsibilities. Our To Protect & To Heal policy was revised in 2008 and will be revised again in 2013. On October 31st we hired a new employee to fill our newly created Diocesan Compliance Officer position who will be responsible for most of the SEC duties and informing and holding our local Compliance Officers accountable. Frank A. DiLallo Prevention/Intervention Schools Consultant Diocesan Case Manager Philadelphia, PA We did not have a safe environment/victim assistance office prior to 2002. There were some policies prior to 2002. Leslie Davila Oakland, CA The Diocese of Oakland had policies in place prior to 2002. In 1988 practices already in place were formalized when the Diocesan Senate of Priests mandated guidelines to be used when sexual abuse was reported. The immediate first step was underscored: remove the accused from service. In 1993 Bishop John Cummins expanded the guidelines, emphasizing the primacy of pastoral assistance to victims. In 2000 Bishop Cummins conducted the first of many apology services. Sister Glenn Anne McPhee Chancellor, VAC Louisville, KY The Archdiocese of Louisville had written policies beginning in 1993. The policies directed who to contact to make a report (Vicar General or Chancellor). Clergy (priest and deacons) were provided with training beginning in 1993. A formal VAC was not appointed until 2002. Full safe environment program not begun until 2003. Brian B. Reynolds Ed.D. Chancellor & Chief Administrative Officer Manchester, NH (1) The Diocese of Manchester did have a sexual misconduct policy in place prior to 2002. (2) We did not have a safe environment office, but did offer outreach services to victims and their families (from what I can tell, no particular person was designated to do this, though). Mary Ellen D'Intino Director of Safe Environment Programs Compliance Officer Columbus, OH 1. The Diocese of Columbus did not have any Safe Environment policies prior to 2002. 2. We did not have a Safe Environment Office prior to 2002. REGINA E. QUINN Safe Environment Consultant Portland, ME Ruth Oakley asked me to respond to your inquiry about what dioceses were doing before 2002, since I have more of a history. In the Diocese of Portland Maine, we had a policy dated 1987 and another 1991 which addressed dealing with priests accused of sexual abuse with a minor. It was our practice to offer counseling to any victim that came forth and I believe it was in 1993 when the first Review Board was formed. Part of the responsibility of this first board was to help the Bishop determine if a priest could be returned to ministry following treatment. Until 1993, the person who dealt with the priest and with the victim was the same person. Upon the death of this individual, the Bishop determined to name a woman (myself) to be the contact with the victims and the priest chancellor or co-chancellor to deal with the priests. We did not have an office of Safe Environment per se. The diocese began to implement gradually some new best practices to keep children safe and these were unified in the Diocese Code of Ethics first issued in 2004 at which time we began to require background check and training. It was at this point that an Safe Environment Office emerged and an Office of Professional Responsibility which did a more professional job of investigating these allegations. Up to that point, the investigation was a joint effort between myself and the other chancellor and was only to see if the story held together. That is a brief summary, if you need more information or what greater precision. Let me know. Sr. Rita-Mae Bissonnette, RSR Chancellor & Delegate for Religious New Orleans, LA Mary Jane, I checked with our archive dept. and Lee said we had a policy dated 1994. In 2002 the Office of Religious Education was responsible for SE. In 2009 we created the Office of SE. Thanks for all you do to help us in our ministry. Sr. Mary Ellen Wheelahan Owensboro, KY The Diocese of Owensboro had policies in place by 1985. At that time, the diocesan attorney trained the priests regarding Kentucky statutes related to child abuse. A review board was established made up of lay people, a priest, and the bishop. Policies and procedures were revised several times prior to 2002. We did not have a VAC but our bishop made phone calls and met with the victims, some of them numerous times. We did not have a SE office. Rita Heinz VAC Arlington, VA In 1991, the Diocese of Arlington established a policy to protect children. The Office of Child Protection was established in 2002. This office had responsibility for educational programs for adults and children, background checks and victim assistance. Pat Mudd Pensacola-Tallahassee, FL Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee 1) your diocese have policies prior to 2002; yes… policies established in 1998 included background checks and workshops for adults 2) your diocese have a SE office prior to 200 We did not have a Safe Environment Coordinator prior to 2002. The Chancellor's Office fulfilled this purpose prior to 2002 If you need more information, please contact me. Sister Margaret Kuntz, ASCJ Orlando, FL The Diocese of Orlando has had policies in place since 1985. That policy identified the Chancellor as the individual who coordinates assistance, and since the promulgation of the Norms, she was designated as Victim Assistance Coordinator. When that Chancellor retired from the VAC position, the duties were split between the Victim Assistance Coordinator, who reports directly to the Bishop and the Safe Environment Coordinator, situated in the Office of Human Resources. Heidi Peckham, LMHC Victim Assistance Coordinator Fargo, ND I have only been in this position and in this Diocese since 2010, so I contacted the clergy who were involved prior to 2002 and their statements are as follows: There was an informal process whereby the victim was interviewed and sought to see what their needs would be. The Fargo Diocese would pay for counseling, however the counselor was determined by the victim. The Fargo Diocese had policies relative to sexual abuse, dating back to 1989. There wasn’t a specific VA or SEC office in place, however a Monsignor in the Fargo Diocese was responsible for conducting the interviews. Larry J. Bernhardt Executive Director Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, PA The Archeparchy of Pittsburgh set up the Office for Protection in 2002- our late Archbishop was installed that Summer and he tended to it right away. Blessings on you all! Sister Barbara Jean Mihalchick, OSBM Jefferson City, MO The diocese of Jefferson City had a policy in 1991. We did not have an SE office prior to 2002. Mike Berendzen Associate to the Chancellor Lansing, MI The USCCB in the late 80s or early 90s addressed the problem of clergy sex abuse. At that time Bishop Povish implemented the Diocese of Lansing's first policy and procedures regarding sexual abuse of minors by clergy. Bishop Carl Mengeling promulgated the Lansing Diocese's "Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedures." Lansing began background checks with fingerprinting of school employees, DREs, CYMs, diocesan central service employees in the mid 1990s, utilizing Michigan State Police and FBI records. We began background checking catechists at the same time, with fingerprinting, utilizing the Michigan State Police records. No, we did not have an SE office prior to 2002. Sally A. Ellis Allentown, PA The Diocese of Allentown had rudimentary policy prior to 2002 at which time our current policy was developed. We did not have a Victim Assistance Coordinator before 2002. Helen P. Kelleher, Executive Director Catholic Charities Fort Wayne-South Bend, IN For the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, our answers to your questions are as follows: Could you let us know if : 1) your diocese have policies prior to 2002 Bishop John D’Arcy, the ordinary at the time, had policies in place long before 2002. (I was not working for the diocese at this time so I asked the Vicar General who provided this answer for you.) 2) your diocese have a SE office prior to 2002? No, we did not have a Safe Environment Office prior to the first audit. The Office of the Vicar General addressed any concerns that arose. Advent peace to you, Cathie Cicchiello Safe Environment Coordinator Scranton, PA It took some digging, but the Diocese of Scranton did have a policy in place since November 3, 1989 Concerning Clerics Accused of Sexual Abuse. The Diocese had the Bishop listed as the individual in charge and no other paid personnel was placed in a safe environment position until mandated by the Charter. I hope this answers your question. Peace, Gail M. Fromm Compliance Officer Safe Environment Coordinator Charlotte, NC We did have a policy prior to 2002 – our first one was issued in 1989. We still don’t have a safe environment office – HR handles safe environment issues other than victim’s assistance. Terri Wilhelm, PHR Human Resources Director Santa Rosa, CA The Diocese of Santa Rosa had their first sexual misconduct policy in 1995. We didn’t have a SE or VAC office per se – we had a Sensitive Issues Committee that was made up of a priest, lawyer and psychologist who handled allegations. I was hired in April of 2003, and got the ball rolling per the Charter. Julie Sparacio Belleville, IL We did have policies that date back to the 90’s. We did not have a VAC or SEC office, but we did have a Review Board and a Review Board Administrator. Lynn Muscarello Saginaw, MI 1) On September 14, 1989 Bishop Kenneth E. Untener promulgated: POLICIES AND PROCEDURES IN MATTERS RELATED TO ACCUSATIONS OF CHILD ABUSE. Following the promulgation, there was mandatory education regarding the policy for all priests, deacons, principals, youth ministers, directors of religious education, etc. There were four day-long (9:30 am to 2:30 pm) educational sessions held throughout the diocese. The 1989 Policies and Procedures held until the new Policy was promulgated on May 30, 2003. The Diocese of Saginaw 1989 Policies and Procedures in Matters Related to Accusations of Child Abuse included a Review Board. 2) The Diocese of Saginaw did not have an "SE Office" prior to 2002. Because of my professional background (PhD clinical psychology) prior to 2002, I did serve as what would later be officially termed (and appointed) the victim assistance coordinator. Janet Fulgenzi Davenport, IA In the Davenport Diocese we had policies that were revised in 1999 and we also had a video from S. Paul/Minneapolis that all the priests, school and faith formation staff and volunteers needed to see yearly. All staff, priests and volunteers that worked with children on a regularly bases had a background check. Mary M. Wieser Director of Faith Formation Coordinator of Safe Environment Santa Fe, NM The Archdiocese of Santa Fe had policies starting in 1990 – I know the Chancellor at the time was wearing many hats one of them being VAC, however I cannot find anything that there was a Safe Environment Coordinator prior to 2002. Annette Klimka, LMSW Victim Assistance and Safe Environment Coordinator Camden, NJ The Diocese of Camden did have some policies in place before 2002, but not the Office of Safe Environment or VAC. Bishop Joseph Galante was installed as Bishop of Camden in April 2004 and during that summer he asked me to create the office which I did in September 2004. Rod Herrera Jackson, MS The Diocese of Jackson has had a general policy regarding sexual misconduct since 1986 which outlined what actions would be taken in the case of allegations of sexual abuse. On January 1, 1994, a comprehensive policy was implemented which established a review board. Per the Charter, the Diocesan Office of Child Protection was established in 2003 and I was hired as safe environment coordinator in Janury, 2004. Vickie Carollo Safe Environment Coordinator Office of Child Protection Brooklyn, NY The Diocese of Brooklyn has had written policies in place regarding the sexual abuse of minors since 1987 but did not establish the Safe Environment Office until 2002. Maryellen Quinn Coordinator Safe Environment Office San Jose, CA The diocese has had a policy on sexual misconduct since 1981. They also employed the Sensitive Incident Team (SIT) to handle allegations involving misconduct. The SIT is still operative, handling allegations that do not involve a minor. The Office for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults directs endeavors of the VAC and SEC. This Office was established in 2002. Bernie Nojadera Former Director of the OPCVA Fort Worth, TX Yes, the Diocese of Fort Worth had policies prior to 2002; there was not an “official” office of Safe Environment prior to 2002; however, the Bishop, Chancellor, and Personnel Director handled allegations and parish and school needs to establish safety measures. Judy Locke, Director Office of Child and Youth Protection Victim Assistance Ministry Erie, PA 1) Did your diocese have policies prior to 2002? Yes, since 1986. 2) Did your diocese have a SE office prior to 2002? No, we did not. Thanks, Karen Street Newark, NJ In response to your inquiry about what dioceses were doing before 2002 and the Charter, the Archdiocese of Newark has maintained an active Archdiocesan Review Board (we called it the Archdiocesan Response Team) since 1993. This group has always contained a majority of lay members responsible for conducting an inquiry into allegations of sexual misconduct by priests or deacons. The Archdiocese, and all of the dioceses of New Jersey, have had regular policies on sexual misconduct since the mid 1980s. Hope this helps. Jim Goodness, KHS Director of Communications Monterey, CA Before 2002 a committee for: “Sensitive Issues” was formed. Also I have in my office two binders: A pastoral Response to Sexual Abuse Bishop’s Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual Abuse November 1994. Canonical Procedures for use in cases of Misconduct Diocese of Monterey. Wishing all of you a Blessed Christmas and all the best for the New Year 2012. Sincerely Sr. Patricia Murtagh Springfield-Cape Girardeau, MO I’m sorry this is so late. It is probably too late, but here goes: 1) We did not have a policy prior to 2002. The first was in 2002. 2) We did not have a SE office prior to 2002. Merry Christmas! Karen M. Pesek Director Office of Religious Education Office of Child and Youth Protection Baltimore, MD 1. 2. We had policies since the mid 1980s. Our Office of Child and Youth Protection was established in 2002. Thanks! Alison D'Alessandro Director of Child and Youth Protection