Oversight group begins working on abuse charter

The 12-member committee of diocesan employees met for the second time last week, beginning to carry out the "Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People," which was enacted in June at a U.S. bishops' meeting in Dallas.

The group reviewed the charter's 17 articles, which cover four areas:

* promoting healing and reconciliation with victims of sexual abuse of minors,

* guaranteeing an effective response to allegations of abuse,

* ensuring accountability of procedures and

* protecting people in the future.

Sister Kathleen Turley, RSM, diocesan chancellor for planning and pastoral services, and convener of the committee, said that some articles of the charter are simply factual, such as the one ensuring that dioceses have policies in place regarding sexual abuse by clergy.

Since the Albany Diocese does have such policies, she said, the committee is forming six subcommittees to address the more in-depth articles of the charter. Among those issues are background checks, screening processes for Church staff and volunteers, and coordinating care for victims and perpetrators.

The oversight committee is also reviewing how other dioceses have dealt with the issue of sexual abuse and whether the Albany Diocese needs to develop programs of its own or incorporate existing programs.

Sister Kathleen noted that the Albany Episcopal Diocese has a program that might be useful, so it is being reviewed. Another option being considered is the "Virtus" series of programs and services created by the National Catholic Risk Retention Group, Inc. The Virtus programs include:

* "Protecting God's Children," a child sexual abuse prevention program,

* Virtus online (www.virtusonline.org), a website of resources,

* a victim advocacy program,

* a pastoral case management program,

* an investigation program that teaches about investigating abuse allegations,

* an outline of model policies and procedures, and

* a model code of pastoral conduct and a code of conduct for volunteers.

Sister Kathleen cautioned that no decisions have been made about which programs the Diocese will choose. "We're just in the exploring stage," she noted.

The committee will meet again when guest speakers can be scheduled to address the group about various programs. In the meantime, Sister Kathleen said, the subcommittees are just starting to be formed and will eventually include a broad spectrum of people from around the Diocese.

(The full text of the bishops' charter is available at www.usccb.org. Click on "Restoring Trust.")

(08-29-02) [[In-content Ad]]