Efforts expanded to end abuse

As part of its ongoing commitment to "The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People," the Albany Diocese has sent all of its parishes a binder containing materials related to child abuse.

The binder, titled "A Time to Heal," will be expanded as additional materials become available. Currently, it includes two new publications on the issue as well as:

* a copy of the Charter, which was passed by the U.S. bishops in 2002;

* the updated sexual abuse policy of the Diocese;

* guidelines for professional conduct by Church employees and volunteers;

* guidance for parents on how to protect their children;

* an outline of the Virtus program for prevention education for employees and volunteers; and

* information about conducting background checks on people who work with children.

New publications

The two new publications in the binder are designed to inform Catholics specifically and the public in general about the issue of sexual abuse by clergy. The flyers were created and printed by the Diocese.

As Bishop Howard J. Hubbard writes in one of the flyers: "Information and honest communication are two of the most powerful tools we have to prevent sexual abuse of children and adults."

One flyer outlines the role of the diocesan Office of Victims/Survivors Assistance; the other answers frequently asked questions about abuse.

Besides being included in the binder sent to all 180 parishes in the Diocese, the publications will be distributed through schools, Catholic Charities agencies and other means. The first printing was for 40,000 copies of each flyer.

What's inside

The flyer about the Victims/Survivors Office provides information about the role of that office and details on how to contact its coordinator, Theresa Rodrigues, through mail, email and the telephone.

The focus of the office, says the flyer, "is primarily on the emotional and spiritual well-being and healing of those affected by the sexual misconduct of Diocesan Clergy."

The other flyer, "Frequently Asked Questions & Answers about Sexual Abuse," includes a letter from Bishop Hubbard, in which he pledges "a purposeful, vigilant effort to prevent abuse from occurring."

The flyer answers such questions as:

* "Does the Albany Diocese have a policy on clergy sexual abuse?"

* "What does the Diocese do when it receives an allegation of sexual abuse?"

* "Is the Diocese doing anything to prevent sexual abuse?"

* "Does the Diocese reach confidential financial settlements with victims of abuse?"

The binder was developed by the Albany diocesan Charter Implementation Committee. Since the Charter was adopted nationwide in 2002, the diocesan committee has worked to implement its various elements, such as hiring a victims' assistance coordinator and an investigator to look into allegations of abuse, and updating policies to be in line with the Charter.

(To obtain the flyers, contact your parish or call the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 453-6600. To contact the diocesan Office of Victims/Survivors Assistance, call 453-6646 or email [email protected].)

(9/4/03) [[In-content Ad]]