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