Diocese found to be in full compliance

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
January 8, 2004

The Diocese of Sioux City on Jan. 6 released data that provided specific details on the issue of sexual abuse of minors dating back to 1950. Parishioners received the information in a letter (see above) from Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo sent last week to all registered households in the diocese.

The release of the information is consistent with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) mandate that dioceses be clear in communication about the issue of abuse.

Timing of the diocesan release coincided with the Jan. 6 release of a report relating to the national audit of dioceses. This is the first national report of diocesan compliance with mandated policies and practices to protect children and respond to allegations of clergy sexual abuse of minors. Sponsored by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, the audit was conducted by the Boston-based Gavin Group.

Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo pointed out that the compliance audit was conducted in this diocese in early September.

"I found the two auditors, both of whom were retired FBI agents, to be very professional. We were fully cooperative with them and they were very diligent, checking to see how we had been living up to the charter since it was adopted in June 2002," he said.

The bishop explained that the auditors could give dioceses instructions, recommendations and commendations.

"Instructions are aspects of your policy that need to be changed to be in compliance. They did give us one instruction relating to the number of people who were to receive background checks," said Bishop DiNardo. The auditors requested that the diocese modify the existing background check policy to encompass all clergy and employees, and those volunteers who have regular contact with children. These checks were to be completed as quickly as possible.

Background checks are currently underway in the Diocese of Sioux City.

The diocese received two recommendations. The bishop explained that recommendations were made in areas where the diocese was in compliance but changes could make compliance even stronger or more complete.

The first pertained to making a decision about the victim assistance coordinator position.

"We were in the midst of hiring a victims assistance coordinator and were about ready to make a decision," noted Bishop DiNardo. "We now utilize Mercy's Child Advocacy Center as our victims assistance coordinator."

The second recommendation related to the timeliness in completing the safe environment programs.

"They were pleased that we had VIRTUS as our training program, but they wanted the initial training done by January," he said. To date more than 4,000 people have successfully completed the training program including all of the clergy, diocesan and parish employees as well as volunteers who have contact with children.

All of the four dioceses in Iowa adopted this same safe environment program, which the bishop said should be helpful in taking a proactive response to keeping the children safe.

"We did receive one commendation. We were commended for having a sex abuse policy since 1992 that was updated in 1995," said Bishop DiNardo.

He pointed out that the Diocese of Sioux City is in full compliance with the "Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People" on the diocesan sexual abuse policy for clergy and the code of ethical standards for lay people.

As of Dec. 1, 2003, all instructions and recommendations had been addressed by the diocese, therefore the Diocese of Sioux City is found to be compliant with the provisions of the charter that was adopted by U.S. bishops in June 2002.

"This is an initial view of compliance that obviously we have to keep going through and obtaining the best practices to do what we can do to keep our young people safe," said Bishop DiNardo. "As time goes by we will not only monitor these but work to improve them."

He stressed the fact that the code of ethical standards and the background checks were specifically designed to encompass more than just the clergy because they want to ensure that there are high expectations for everyone who ministers in the diocese.

The Diocese of Sioux City has received 33 allegations of sexual abuse of a minor against 10 priests of the diocese during the past 53 years. None of the priests involved in any of these allegations remain in public ministry. Of the 10 priests identified, six have died, one has left the priesthood, one is living in a supervised setting and two have had their priestly duties suspended with the potential of further canonical penalties.

The ten priests represent 1.8 percent of the 545 priests and deacons who have served the diocese during the 50-plus years. The bishop said, however, that even one allegation against a priest is troubling.

"We encourage all victims to come forward," said Bishop DiNardo. "Personally, I express the sorrow and apology of the diocese for the hurt that was caused them."

Bishop DiNardo expressed thanks and appreciation to both the diocesan task force that reviewed and revised the policies as well as the diocesan review board that handles allegations.

"I am grateful to our priests, to our staff and people for their cooperation in our efforts to protect our children and young people," he said. "The Diocese of Sioux City has worked hard to address this problem, to assist victims and protect our young people."

If anyone has questions or concerns they can contact the bishop directly at the Central Catholic Offices, (712) 255-7933 or the victims assistance coordinator at (712) 279-5610 or (866) 435-4397.