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To Guarantee an Effective
Response to Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors
Specific steps are taken to ensure that all situations that should
be reported to local law enforcement authorities are referred
immediately. Attached to the Diocesan Policy on Sexual Misconduct
is a copy of the approved Code of Conduct for clergy and all other
church personnel in positions of trust. This Code has been agreed
to and signed by all personnel entrusted with the safety and well
being of our children. When a report of abuse of a minor is made
to Diocesan personnel, only basic questions are asked to establish
that a crime has been committed. Who what, when and where are
the only questions asked of a minor before placing a call to law
enforcement or Child Protective Services (CPS). In collaboration
with law enforcement, this has been determined as the best method
to reduce trauma to the child that can be caused by the interviewing
process.The parent or guardian of the child is provided with written
information from the YPA that will include information regarding
supportive services for the child and their family.When a victim is over the age of eighteen but is legally vulnerable
due to physical or mental impairment, the same procedures will
be followed as in the case of a minor.
When referring to law enforcement or CPS, the YPA will document
the Department Reporting number (called the “DR”)
on a standardized form that may be copied for law enforcement
or CPS as requested. A file with the basic information will be
opened and forwarded to the appropriate staff personnel and the
confidential Review Board. If public Authorities determine that
they will not be able to move forward with a case, it is the responsibility
of the Diocese to determine if a case is considered “credible”
and the MOC or the Bishop may designate a team to conduct an internal
investigation to protect our children from further victimization.
The Diocesan MOC or the Bishop may decide to apply precautionary
measures such as relieving the accused of his or her duties. When
a victim is over the age of eighteen but is legally vulnerable
due to physical or mental impairment, the Diocese of Phoenix has
determined that the same steps taken as if the adult were a minor
will be implemented.Geographical Issues that affect an Effective ResponseThe Diocese of Phoenix has come to realize that victims who report
sexual abuse come from all parts of the country and may have been
abused in other diocesan areas. Consequently we believe that it
is incumbent on each Diocese or Archdiocese to assist victims
by developing systems of support on a nationwide basis to reduce
the amount of stress and additional trauma to each reporting person.When victims report sexual abuse from another geographical area,
the Youth Protection Advocate will document the report as if it
occurred in the Diocese of Phoenix. The Advocate will offer both
pastoral, therapeutic and social services in the same manner and
context as for victims from our community. The Office will contact
the Diocese or Religious Order regarding the complaint to request
a commitment of financial support using the same guidelines as
our own. In the event that the receiving Diocese or Religious
Order is not willing to financially support the victim, the Diocese
of Phoenix will accept the responsibility following their own
policies and procedures, and address the issue through the Moderator
of the Curia and/or the Bishop. To provide this continuity of
services, the Diocese of Phoenix has established a Memorandum
of Understanding (“MOU”) with the majority of the
Religious Communities and some other Diocesan Centers to fully
support and abide by one another’s policies. In the event
that one of our personnel is accused of sexual misconduct outside
of our area, the Diocese of Phoenix will fully support the established
procedures of that area.Pastoral, Social Services Agencies & Therapeutic
ServicesDesignated certified Spiritual Advisors are authorized to provide
pastoral services to victims of sexual abuse. The Office of Child
& Youth Protection collaborates with federally approved non-profit
agencies with a 501 (‘C) 3 statuses or duly approved state
& local agencies. Referrals are based on geographic area and
client’s needs.The Review Board has authorized the YPA to approve individual
counseling sessions, not to exceed 25 sessions within a period
of six months. An evaluation and prognosis report is required
of the therapist at the end of six months, prior to the final
bill being submitted to the YPA. The Clinical Review Panel “The
Panel” will be consulted to make final determinations regarding
on-going therapeutic needs if additional therapy is requested.
Based on the evaluation received, additional counseling may be
authorized. The Panel is an independent group of professionals
in the medical and mental health fields, who volunteer for the
Diocese of Phoenix for this specific purpose.The Diocese will not be responsible for expenses incurred due
to missed appointments, telephone sessions and if a pattern of
unexcused absences occurs, services may be discontinued. Payment
will not be made for counseling or medication not previously approved
by the diocese. All expenses for therapy of medication will be
sent directly to the Diocese of Phoenix, care of the Youth Protection
Advocate, 400 E. Monroe, Phx, AZ, 85004-2336. Other therapeutic
requirements include:
• Counselors submit a resume with verification of professional
credentials, liability and specialization on an annual basis
• Counselors notify the Office of Child and Youth Protection if the person
interrupts or terminates the counseling for any reason
• The expense of counseling paid by the Diocese of Phoenix
will be noted in any settlement agreement
• All billing for therapeutic expenses will be discontinued
after two years of service
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