|
To Promote Healing &
Reconciliation with Victims/Survivors of
Sexual Abuse of Minors
The Diocese of Phoenix has established an outreach plan to every
person who has been a victim of sexual abuse. This plan includes
widely promoting information and access to the Office of Youth
Protection in both English and Spanish through the diocesan newspaper
called the Catholic Sun; distributing copies of the policy and
outreach pamphlets to every registered household in the Diocese,
and having all of this information posted on the Diocesan website
at all times. The outreach plan does not send unsolicited letters
or make personal telephone calls to victims who do not come into
the office or reach out for support. A victim’s right to
privacy and confidentiality must come first above all else.
Safe Environment Systems training has been developed and is provided
throughout the diocese as collaboration between the YPA and the
Vicariate for Christian Formation and Education. The Vicariate
for Christian Formation and Education was assigned the responsibility
of providing training throughout the Diocese of Phoenix. The purpose
of this training has been to provide an awareness of what constitutes
a safe environment, to promote and see an the revised Sexual Misconduct
Policy and Arizona State laws that protect children, youth and
vulnerable adults from any kind of abuse. A secondary benefit
of the training is that people will know where to seek out resources
in a confidential manner.
Outreach efforts are being made to internal networks within the
church such as the men’s, women’s, teen and children’s
ministries. External networks are being developed to reach out
to victims of sexual abuse with therapy and social service programs
throughout the valley. Efforts may also include telephone calls
and individual meetings with the Bishop or his representative
for victims who want to facilitate the pastoral and reconciliation
process. It is appropriate for these interactions to take place
after any criminal or civil litigation procedures have been completed.
The Bishop or his representative also makes frequent public appearances
to reach out to those who would like to speak with him.
All reports of sexual misconduct are directed to the Office of
Child and Youth Protection’s Youth Protection Advocate “YPA”.
These reports can be called in on a telephone, faxed in on a facsimile
machine, e-mailed via computer or made in person. As reports are
made, each situation is considered to determine the need for a
referral to public authorities and law enforcement. All reports
are logged into a central intake file and are submitted for recommendations
by the professional Review Board. Any situation involving a minor
(under the age of 18 years or a legally defined “vulnerable
adult” is an automatic report to local law enforcement authorities.
In the case of a required report, YPA will document the “DR
#” (law enforcement report number) for verification of report
status. The YPA gives the victim or their legal guardian written
information regarding counseling assistance provided by the diocese.
After law enforcement has concluded it’s investigation,
all cases reported are referred to the Moderator of the Curia
(“MOC”) and the diocesan attorney due to the liability
for the insurance carrier during the relevant time period. If
the accused person is connected to a specific department (see
organizational flowchart), the Director of that department will
also be notified after law enforcement has completed its investigation.
All cases are evaluated by the Review Board to provide recommendations
to the MOC or the Bishop.
When law does not require a report, the YPA offers reporting
adults pastoral and therapeutic services with a choice of pre-approved
professional clinicians located throughout the diocese who have
had substantial training in this particular field. Regardless
of jurisdiction of the reported information, the YPA offer services
and work in collaboration with social service agencies that provide
high quality care in multiple areas. The YPA has the adult reporter
sign a statement regarding their wishes about reporting the situation
to law enforcement that will be honored regarding their wishes
about informing law enforcement about the situation.
Persons reporting abuse are offered a spiritual advisor and /or
a support coordinator to assist them with their individual needs.
The MOC and the diocesan attorney are notified and will determine
if anyone else will require notification. If the situation has
become high profile or the pastor would like additional support,
the Community Response Team (CRT) will meet with him to offer
their assistance.
|
