Statement for Passing the Audit
SEC LISTSERV QUESTION:
11/12/10
Dear Colleagues
Can one of you kindly send me the announcement your diocese makes to the public when you
pass the audit. The one you put in the diocese's newsletter. Thank you.
Janan Senawi
St. Thomas the Apostle for Chaldeans
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Camden, NJ
Sioux Falls, SD
Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle for Chaldeans
Superior, WI
San Antonio, TX
Cincinnati, OH
Grand Island, NE
Tucson, AZ
Raleigh, NC
Youngstown, OH
Baton Rouge, LA
Fresno, CA
Gary, IN
SCYP, USCCB
Portland, OR
Wheeling-Charleston, WV
Burlington, VT
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Camden, NJ
Over the past couple of years, we have not put anything in our diocesan paper about being in compliance
with the audit. The rationale behind that is this: In this day and age, it is expected that we would be in
compliance with the audit, so why make it public that we are happy we are doing what we absolutely must
be doing in the first place. A second reason is that even if we announce our compliance, the fact that we
are announcing this reminds people of the scandal that led to this in the first place.
Rod J. Herrera, LCSW
Sioux Falls, SD
The Diocese of Sioux Falls has the same mind set as the Diocese of Camden. We don't put anything in
our diocesan paper either.
Renee K. Leach
Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle for Chaldeans
Thank you for shedding light on the issue. It makes lots of sense. Somehow I thought it was expected and
customary to do this and since I hadn't done it in the past I wanted to be sure to do it right this time.Also,
Maybe I was thinking about the statement that is published regarding how many children were trained
during the year or how many parents etc.... I have seen some diocese do that one.
Thank you and thank God for having all of you for support.
Janan Senawi
Superior, WI
Here’s another take. We have some parishes that are still dragging their feet a bit. They comply with the
letter of Charter but not with the spirit. They do what they are asked but not in a manner that leads to
much success. If we announce our compliance – and we are still after these groups to do a better job –
there is no incentive for them to do better. It kind of takes the “teeth” out of my “bite.” I need to operate
from a position of strength to maintain the process that we have – but always be able to say we have more
room for improvement – and be truthful about it.
Have a good weekend.
Kathy Drinkwine
San Antonio, TX
I disagree about notifying the public about compliance. The media often focuses on all the negative and
rarely shows the positive work the Church is doing. We are working hard to protect children, so I feel
that the public should know what is being done. Sometimes we have to blow our own horns. Take pride
in being compliant and let others know!! Trust me, if you weren't in compliance it would be on the news.
Steve Martinez, LCSW, LSOTP
Cincinnati, OH
In Cincinnati, we put the information on our website only (echoing the same sentiments as Camden and
Sioux Falls), usually in January. Here is the most current
http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=879&Itemid=1436
Thanks
Fr. Joe Binzer
Grand Island, NE
We continue to publish our audit results, usually in an article that includes the national audit results.
Sadly, it seems in our society that when something is no longer in the news, people tend to forget about
it. While we don’t want to be forever remembered for the clergy who abused children, we do want to
always be remembered for respecting the life and dignity of our children (and all people). We want
people to know that we are still on watch and that we are taking actions to change the world.
I was at a conference a few weeks ago where a woman commented that her son had recently joined boy
scouts and she was surprised to see a lesson on personal safety in the boy scout manual. Instead of
recognizing that sexual abuse is a continued problem in our society and that the boy scouts are doing their
part in prevention, she commented, “Makes me wonder if I want my son to be involved in that
organization.”
Every few years we hear how eating undercooked meats (or eggs) can cause food poisoning - usually
after a rash of cases of food poisoning. I think we need to continually remind the public what we are
doing and why (not because children are at risk in our Church, but because children are at risk) – We
don’t want to wait until the “next outbreak”.
Elizabeth A. Heidt Kozisek
Tucson, AZ
We did something similar to Beth's approach. We couched the announcement in an essay that reflected on
why we undergo audits: how they help us improve, bringing to light our weaknesses as well as our
strengths.
Paul N. Duckro
Raleigh, NC
We use April (prevent child abuse month) to highlight training totals and compliance. It also is a time
when we heighten our prayer efforts.
It is a natural fit.
Dr. John A. Pendergrass
Youngstown, OH
Like John in Raleigh, we also take advantage of child abuse prevention month to highlight what we are
doing, numbers trained, etc. I write an article for our diocesan paper for an early April issue.
Nancy Yuhasz
Baton Rouge, LA
This is an interesting subject to me.
We have our individual parishes and schools that like to publish to their "audit results" which are results
of our own local audits. I get a kick out of watching them because they like to print their compliant status
with the diocesan policies in their parish bulletins. I find that they like to have bragging among each other
too. I'm talking about the over 100 Child Protection Site Coordinators we have in our diocese. It is a sign
to me as the director, that they are starting to own the program-they have gone from seeing it as the
diocesan program to seeing it as their own local church or school program -one which they are personally
invested in. Great talk-hope you guys have a great weekendAmy J. Cordon
Fresno, CA
Our current publication is attached.
Blessings,
Teresa Dominguez
ANNUAL SAFE ENVIRONMENT
REVIEW
All who were required to receive Basic
Safe Environment Training are also
required to attend an annual review of
the information contained in the training
handbook, including the Diocesan Code
of Conduct.
FINGERPRINTING
All employees and volunteers 18 years
and older who will serve where they
may be unsupervised around minors
must be fingerprint cleared.
Fingerprinting in the State of California
provides “sequential arrest” reports.
Therefore, fingerprinting is not merely a
background check. It is an active
measure of protection. This requires a
specific routing number for our Diocese,
and explains why those who have been
fingerprinted by other agencies (i.e.
public schools, law enforcement, etc.)
must be printed again for the Diocese of
Fresno.
RELIGIOUS ORDERS, GROUPS
& ORGANIZATIONS
When activities involve minors, all Safe
Environment policies and procedures
apply to all Religious Orders, Groups
and Organizations whose ministry is
directly affiliated and formally
recognized by the Diocese of Fresno.
EDUCATIONAL
OPPORTUNITIES FOR
PARENTS,
CHILDREN & YOUTH
THE DIOCESE OF FRESNO
The Church has a serious responsibility
to support parents in the education and
faith formation of their children. This
includes safety training in context of
Christian values.
The Diocese of Fresno implemented a
self-generated, faith-based program in
2006 entitled: “Keeping the Promise”
which has three main components.
Safe Environment
Awareness Month
October 2010
Resource for Parents
Communication Skill Building, A – Z
Safety Trap Flash Cards, Warning
Signs of Possible Abuse, Positive
Discipline Techniques, Risk Factors
and much more!
K – 12 Lesson Plans
Age appropriate Lesson Plans
promoting Christian values in relation
to safety skill building provides your
children and youth interactive lessons
in the classroom or in the home.
Creating Safe Environments
for Our Children and Ourselves
Family Activity Guides
Following the classroom
presentation, families receive grade
level dialogue and activity guides to
reinforce and build on a specific area
of safety training.
Office of Safe Environment
P.O. Box 1306
Hanford, CA 93232-1306
tadominguez@sbcglobal.net
(559) 584-4349
Safe Environment
REPORT CARD
Audit Period:
1 July 2009 – 30 June 2010
The audit process is now on a three-year
cycle. During this time frame, each
Diocese in the United States experiences
one in depth, on site audit. In addition to
reviewing documentation to establish
compliance, the auditors interview various
individuals responsible for the overall
implementation of Safe Environment
policies and procedures as mandated by
the Charter for the Protection of Children
and Young People. If the Diocese is found
to be in compliance, the other two years
are “data collection” audits. This process
is accomplished via electronic
communications and telephone
conferences.
The Diocese of Fresno
successfully completed an in
depth on site audit for the 2009 –
2010 audit period.
The Diocese of Fresno is in
FULL COMPLIANCE
With the Charter for the
Protection of Children & Young
People
This brochure highlights various aspects
of ministry known as “Safe Environment”
with its principal mission to protect our
children and young people.
Charter for the
Protection of Children
and Young People
Safe Environment
Policies & Procedures
Providing an
“Promise to Protect,
Pledge to Heal”
(United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)
 To promote healing and
reconciliation with
victims/survivors of abuse of
minors within the Church.
 To ensure an effective
response to allegations of
sexual abuse of minors within
the Church.
 To establish procedures to
ensure accountability, and
provide safe environments for
all God’s people through
screening, training and
ongoing education of all
ministers – ordained and laity.
 To provide educational
opportunities and resources
for parents, children and
youth.
The Charter is the guiding light for all
policies and procedures within the
framework of Safe Environment. You
may view the entire Charter by
contacting the Safe Environment Office
Or Online at: USCCB.org.
Umbrella of
Protection
for Our Children and Ourselves
EMPLOYEES
Safe Environment Training is required
for all Clergy, Diocesan Departments,
Parish and School Employees
regardless of whether or not they may
have contact with children. As an
employee, it is very important that they
are well informed of the measures the
Church is taking to keep our children
safe, and what is specifically required of
them in their area of employment.
VOLUNTEERS
Safe Environment Training is required of
all volunteers within the Diocese of
Fresno who may have contact with
minors during their service to the Parish,
School or other Church affiliated
activities.
TRAINING CONTENT
Training includes signs of child abuse,
mandated reporting law and procedures,
and the Diocesan Code of Conduct.
The Code may be viewed at your parish
or school office upon request.
Fresno, CA (cont)
I was just reading the current issue of our diocesan newspaper. I had forgotten that I submitted
this article. What can I say, I am starting to get a lot of mail from AARP.
I think it is more in line with what you requested than my previous attachment.
Blessings,
Teresa Dominguez
Annual Safe Environment Audit Results:
Diocese of Fresno Found to be in Full
Compliance with the Charter for the Protection of
Children and Young People.
Submitted by: Teresa Dominguez, Victim Assistance & Safe Environment Manager
Implementation of the Charter Norms can be a very labor intensive
endeavor for all of the parish and school communities within our diocese,
and the diocesan offices that guide and support the various aspects of
“creating safe environments.” Yet, ensuring that all those who have regular
access to minors are properly cleared, trained and supervised is without a
doubt well worth the time and energy required to meet this goal to the best
of our ability. In addition, educational opportunities and resources are
provided to support parents, and help their children develop age
appropriate safety skills.
Within the 2009 – 2010 audit period, our diocese successfully met the safe
environment requirements for: 163 active priests; 45 active deacons; 29
candidates for ordination to the priesthood and permenant diaconate; 362
educators; 110 diocesan employees; 933 school and parish employees;
8,147 school and parish volunteers; 5,905 Catholic school students; 25,136
students enrolled in parish programs.
It is with a great sense of humility that we recognize this achievement.
Over recent months we have been reminded that the abuse of children is a
global concern. There is an overwhelming need for healing within the
Church throughout our world, within our communities, within our homes,
within our hearts. It can be very challenging to encounter evidence that
provides a sobering reminder that the same Church which is entrusted with
the fullness of Divine Revelation and is called to be Sacrament to the world,
is the same Church which is also in the process of being sancitified herself.
Unfortunately, what does not make the headlines very often, if at all, is the
tremendous positive impact of the Charter for the Protection of Children
and Young People as it has been put into action. This is indeed a genuine
cause for celebration, realizing that the Church is once again experiencing
a conversion from the effects of sin into the redeeming light of Grace.
It is by the Grace of God that the Diocese of Fresno is blessed with so
many faithful servants – ordained, religious, and laypersons. We have
thriving schools, parish programs and countless opportunities to live and
celebrate our Catholic Faith. Through the leadership of our clergy and the
work of many dedicated employees and volunteers we are able to
experience our faith communities within the context of a “safe
environment.”
Special thanks to all who support the implementation of the Charter for the
Protection of Children and Young People under the guidance of our Bishop.
Congratulations on a job well done!
Diocese of Fresno
VICTIM ASSISTANCE HOTLINE 559 584-4349
To report an incident of child abuse that occurred, past or present, within the Church
by a member of the clergy, religious order, employee or volunteer contact the city
or county law enforcement agency where the alleged abuse occurred. Then, contact
the Diocese of Fresno Victim Assistance Coordinator at the number above.
Gary, IN
We have just published the results of our audit in our diocesan newspaper, the Northwest Indiana
Catholic.
The article is attached.
Thanks and have a blessed day!
Darlene Marchina
Northwest Indiana Catholic
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2010
Diocese in full compliance with child
safety charter
BY DEBBIE BOSAK
Northwest Indiana Catholic
MERRILLVILLE “Dioceses/eparchies will establish ‘safe environment programs.’ They will cooperate with parents, civil
authorities, educators, and community organizations to provide education and training for children, youth,
parents, ministers, educators, and others about ways to make and maintain a safe environment for children.
Dioceses/eparchies will make clear to clergy and members of the community the standards of conduct for
clergy and other persons in positions of trust with regard to sexual abuse.” (Article 12 of the Charter for the
Protection of Children and Young People) Since the establishment of the charter in 2002 by the United States
Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Catholic Church has done more to ensure the safety of children than any
other organization in the country. After a full review by independent auditors this fall, Bishop Dale J. Melczek
received notification that the Diocese of Gary remains in full compliance with the charter. “The Catholic
Church has taken this crisis and made a positive impact on our society today,” said Kelly Venegas, Safe
Environment coordinator for the Diocese of Gary. “No other organization that works with young people has
trained as many people - laity and ordained - including parents, teachers, employees, volunteers and children in
sexual abuse prevention. “Bishop Melczek has illustrated his dedication to the Safe Environment Program
through his proactive and firm resolve by insuring 100 percent compliance with the program and accepting no
less,” Venegas continued. “In turn, each parish has shown their own commitment by naming a Safe
Environment coordinator to insure compliance.” A comprehensive set of procedures, the Charter for the
Protection of Children and Young People was created by USCCB as a means of addressing allegations of
sexual abuse of minors within the Church. According to the USCCB website, in addition to creating a safe
environment for children, the charter addresses: prompt and effective response to allegations, cooperation with
civil authorities, discipline of offenders, system of accountability and healing and reconciliation. According to
Venegas, there has been a zero tolerance policy on abusers in effect nationwide since 2002. The Gavin Group,
a Boston-based company that monitors diocesan adherence to the U.S. bishops’ plan, issued a report in 2007
showing that virtually all dioceses were compliant with the charter. It also indicated that 98 percent of
volunteers working with children had received training. Another 5 million children have been given the skills
to recognize and help self-protect from possible abuse.
SCYP, USCCB
Dear SECs
Teresa and I would like to jump in here with our perspective regarding the publishing audit
results at the diocesan level. We say Go For It! We have many things of which we can be
proud! Dioceses have gone from compliance to conversion in only 8 years! That is a phenomenal
organizational shift that you helped make happen!
The Catholic Church is a leader in child protection in this country and the world. No other
organization requires what we require of our clerics, our employees and our volunteers who
work with children. Our work must include getting that news out. If we do not, the perception
that the Catholic Church has done nothing to stop child sexual abuse will remain. If we don't tell
the good news, who will? Seriously - WHO WILL??
Your audit compliance letter gives you a story to tell; a story of how in your diocese you protect
children and help victims/survivors find healing. You do that by having a VAC and a
commitment to hearing victims, offering compassionate care and sincere apologies by the
bishop. You help purify the priesthood by removing from ministry those men who have proven
allegations of abuse. You have codes of conduct that spell out appropriate behavior. You protect
children by requiring background evaluations of clerics, employees and volunteers who work
with children; by requiring adult training to prevent child sexual abuse, and even giving children
the skills to protect themselves. You require visiting clerics to let the diocese know they are in
good standing before they are allowed to minister in the diocese. You have on-going formation
for clerics that help them live lives as men of holiness and integrity. No other organization can
say that and prove it with an audit.
Proclaim the good news every chance you get! If you have one, work with your communications
office to write the story you want people to hear, know and remember. Never forget the Catholic
Church is the leader in child protection efforts worldwide and it is the work of you do in your
diocese that has made that happen.
You are doing great work, tell the world!!
Mary Jane
Portland, OR
Thank you for the encouragement to publish the audit results. The Archdiocese of Portland in
Oregon usually does a news release when we have received confirmation of our audit results.
You can see last year’s news release www.archdpdx.org under the Office of Communication Current News Releases. We do the article so that people will see that we are still working hard
on the prevention of child abuse and to let our parish and school people know that their hard
work is important.
Cathy Shannon
Wheeling-Charleston, WV
Does the USCCB’s website list the Dioceses that are in compliance?
Grace & Peace,
Deacon Doug Breiding
Burlington, VT
Well said Mary Jane. Thank you for your encouragement!
Jeanne Mitiguy Bruno