December 8, 2004

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, Contact:
Bud Bunce (503) 233-8373
bbunce@archdpdx.org

Audit shows Archdiocese of Portland in full compliance with Charter to Protect Children

        The Archdiocese of Portland is in full compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People according to an audit by The Gavin Group. The Gavin Group was selected to perform the second audit of how dioceses in the United States are implementing the Charter. The auditors report to the National Review Board, which advises the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. On November 17, 2004, the auditors sent Archbishop John G. Vlazny notification that the Archdiocese was in full compliance with the Charter.

        The Archdiocese was audited the week of October 11, 2004. The Gavin Group auditors, both former FBI agents, reviewed the child abuse policies and procedures of the Archdiocese. The audit showed that the Archdiocese has “a policy on the prevention of sexual abuse of minors by clergy,” and that the Archdiocese “provides outreach designed to offer pastoral care to victims/survivors and their families.” Under the heading of “To Promote Healing and Reconciliation” the auditors noted that the Archdiocese has a victim assistance coordinator, and established a Review Board in
October 2002.

        The compliance audit found that the Archdiocese has established “effective liaison with civil authorities, ensuring that an open dialogue regarding sexual abuse allegations will occur.” The auditors reported that the “Archdiocese has established clear and well-publicized standards of ministerial behavior for priests and deacons,” as well as “clear and well publicized standards of conduct for persons in positions of trust with regard to sexual abuse.” The audit noted that the Archdiocese completes background evaluations “for all Archdiocesan and parish personnel who have regular contact with minors.”

        At the time of the audit, the Archdiocese was in the process of continuing the safe environment training for new employees and volunteers who have contact with children and youth. The audit team required that the Archdiocese provide a schedule for the completion of the training for this year. The Archdiocese was given a “required action” to complete by the audit team. This action required that the Archdiocese “provide a schedule for the completion of ‘Safe Environment’ training for Archdiocesan educators and volunteers who have regular contact with children and youth.” The schedule of completion was submitted to the auditors, and they found the Archdiocese to be in full compliance with the Charter.

        The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops adopted the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in June 2002. The Archdiocese of Portland was first audited on its implementation of the Charter in September 2003. The Archdiocese was found to be in full compliance with the Charter at that time.

The Charter seeks:
To Promote – healing and reconciliation with victims/survivors of sexual abuse of minors;

To Guarantee – an effective response to allegations of sexual abuse of minors;

To Ensure – the accountability of our procedures;

To Protect – the faithful in the future.

        The Archdiocese of Portland is committed to providing a safe environment for all persons served in ministry. The Child Abuse Policy of the Archdiocese of Portland is available on the web site: www.archdpdx.org/cpo

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