Catholic Church steadfast in efforts to curtail abuse

Southwest Kansas Register: What is The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People?

Sister Janice Grochowsky: A few years ago it became glaringly apparent that the Church and Church leadership had failed to protect our children from harm. There was a failure within our institutions as well as in society as a whole.

To address this "sin of omission," in June 2002 the United States Bishops approved what was to become The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. At a June 2002 meeting in Dallas, the Bishops agreed to hold themselves and their dioceses responsible and accountable to implement the various mandates outlined in the charter. The mandates of the charter were then given a legally binding status (with approval from the Vatican) through the subsequent document "Essential Norms for Diocesan Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons."

SKR: What are some of the mandates outlined in the Charter and Norms?

Sister Janice: One of the mandates is that each diocese is to have a written policy. We are proud to say that the Diocese of Dodge City has had a written policy since 1993. This policy was updated last year to incorporate the language and mandates of the Charter and Norms. Elements of our diocesan "Policy for Protection of Children and Young People" include: information for reporting an incident of sexual abuse of a minor (who must report, to whom one makes a report, and the information needed to make the report). A second element is the designation of an assistance minister to respond and offer immediate pastoral care to persons who claim to have been sexually abused as minors and his or her family. A third element of the policy concerns the establishment of a review board. The review board acts as a confidential consultative body to the bishop in reviewing any incidents that have been reported and offering their professional advice. The review board also reviews the diocesan policy annually. A final element of our diocesan policy involves the establishment of a "Safe Environment Program."

SKR: What is a "Safe Environment Program" and what specifically is our diocese doing in this regard?

Sister Janice: In general a "safe environment" program is to provide education and training for parents, ministers, educators, parish and school employees and others about ways to create and maintain a safe environment for children. Within the Diocese of Dodge City, there are several components to our safe environment program:

1. The "Protecting God’s Children" program was implemented approximately a year ago. When adults who interact with children increase their awareness of child sexual abuse, they form a shield that protects children. That shield is a network of adults alert to potentially abusive situations.

In a three-hour awareness session, participants will learn how to discuss different aspects of abuse, including child sexual abuse, and how to teach children to protect themselves. As of August 15, 2004, there have been 21 "Protecting God’s Children" awareness sessions conducted throughout the diocese, with approximately 750 adults having been trained.

2. All employees (of the diocese, parishes, schools and other related institutions) are required to undergo a criminal background check. In addition to employees, all other adults and volunteers who regularly minister with children also must consent to a criminal background check. These adults and volunteers include, but are not limited to, camp counselors, youth chaperones, coaches, teachers, catechists, drivers for field trips, school volunteers, etc.

As of August 15, 2004, 1,330 priests, employees and volunteers have undergone a criminal background check.

In addition to the background check, employees and volunteers who have regular contact with children not only are required to attend a "Protecting God’s Children" awareness session, they are also to continue updating their knowledge base by reading information bulletins on the various aspects of child sexual abuse.

3. A Code of Pastoral Conduct for priests, deacons, pastoral ministers, administrators, staff, and volunteers is another element of our diocesan safe environment program. This Code of Conduct provides the foundation for proper behavior and safety measures for all persons within the diocese, but most especially for those entrusted with the care of our children.

4. Other aspects of our safe environment program include a full and proper screening for seminarians and testimonials from the bishops or religious superiors of any priests or religious wishing to minister within the diocese.

SKR: Are any other adults mandated to attend a "Protecting God’s Children" awareness session?

Sister Janice: Only the ones mentioned above (employees and volunteers with regular contact with children) are required to attend the awareness session. However, in reality all parents would benefit from the information provided at the session. Child sexual abuse is not confined within the Catholic Church. In fact, anyone who has been reading their information bulletins will remember that one of the myths is that strangers commit most acts of sexual abuse.

However, in reality, most incidents of sexual abuse are committed by persons known and trusted by the child and the family. Child abuse can happen in any setting, and it behooves all adults (most especially parents) to be as informed as possible to the potential risks, warning signs and ways of responding to the sexual abuse of a minor.

SKR: How long should safe environment programs last?

Sister Janice: Due to the nature of parish life and personnel turnover, safe environment programs must be incorporated into the long-term mission of dioceses and parishes. As we begin a new school year, all new employees, school volunteers, catechists, coaches, etc. need to attend a "Protecting God’s Children" awareness session and complete a criminal background check consent form.

SKR: How can someone obtain a copy of our diocesan "Policy for Protection of Children and Young People," Code of Conduct, or other Safe Environment-related information?

Sister Janice: Our diocesan website contains these materials: www.dcdiocese.org/protectingchildren.htm

Clicking on the En Español tab will bring up the Spanish versions of the Code of Conduct, Policy for Protection of Children and Young People, and the decree of promulgation of these documents.

The rest of the menu includes English versions of the Code of Conduct, Policy for Protection of Children and Young People, a listing of "Protecting God’s Children" awareness sessions that have been scheduled, a field trip permission form, "Practical Advice" for parents and our diocesan background check procedure.