POLICY FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Introduction

One of the gravest ills of today's society continues to be the suffering of the innocent. Although, sometimes this seems to be independent from the human will and decision, often times it is an evil caused and controlled by human individuals.

In both cases the human family, with the various communities comprising it, has the duty to engage itself to alleviate the pain caused by any such horrifying event, to repair any damage caused where crimes are committed against such feeble and tender beings, to make sure that they will never reoccur, while also protecting the reputation of the individuals who may be subject to inaccurate or even false allegations.

As part of the human society, while being also "sacrament-sign" (Cf. Lumen Gentium §1) of Salvation, Holy Mother Church has engaged herself deeply in this process.

On June 14, 2002, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops approved a Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, with revisions adopted on November 13, 2002 (hereinafter USCCB Charter). The charter addresses the Church's commitment to deal appropriately and effectively with cases of sexual abuse of minors by priest, deacons, and other church personnel (i.e., employees and volunteers). The bishops of the United States have promised to reach out to those who have been sexually abused as minors by anyone serving the Church in ministry, employment, or a volunteer position, whether the sexual abuse was recent or occurred many years ago. They stated that they would be as open as possible with the people in parishes and communities about instances of sexual abuse of minors, with respect always for the privacy and the reputation of the individuals involved. They have committed themselves to the pastoral and spiritual care and emotional well being of those who have been sexually abused and of their families.

In addition, the bishops will work with parents, civil authorities, educators, and various organizations in the community to make and maintain the safest environment for minors. In the same way, the bishops have pledged to evaluate the background of seminary applicants as well as all church personnel, who have responsibility for the care and supervision of children and young people.

Therefore, to ensure that each diocese/eparchy in the United States of America will have procedures in place to respond promptly to all allegations of sexual abuse of minors, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on June 14, 2002, also decreed Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priest or Deacons, revised November 13, 2002 (hereinafter USCCB Essential Norms). These revisions were approved by the USCCB following the changes proposed by the Mixed Commission of four bishops from the Holy See and four bishops from the United States meeting in Rome in October 2002. Having received the recognitio of the Apostolic See on December 8, 2002, and having been legitimately promulgated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on December 12, 2002, these norms constitute particular law for all the dioceses/eparchies of the United States effective March 1, 2003. These norms are complementary to the universal law of the Church, which has traditionally considered the abuse of minors a grave delict and punishes the offender with penalties, not excluding dismissal from the clerical state if the case so warrants.

The policies of the Diocese of Canton will be promulgated by posting the full text on the Diocese of Canton's internet web page, mailing it to all diocesan priests, and publishing it integrally in the UNIREA, the official newspaper of the Canton diocese.

These policies recognize that sexual abuse of minors is a special problem with a profound impact on the lives of those affected. In the case of sexual abuse of a minor by a cleric, the integrity of the priesthood and the Church itself as the servant of the people of God is damaged as well. Clerics serve by ministering to the spiritual needs of the people. When servant becomes abuser, the relationship of trust necessary for ministry is diminished for all.

Sexual abuse by a cleric with a minor affects the whole Church. The solution to this problem must involve the whole Church. The following policies and procedures are the next step in the Diocese's continuing effort to provide for the safety of the people among whom it carries on its pastoral mission while protecting the reputation of clerics who may be subject to inaccurate or false allegations.

1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

2. ASSISTANCE TO THOSE AFFECTED

3. SCREENING FORMATION, EDUCATION & ASSIGNMENT TO MINISTRY

4. REVIEW PROCESS FOR CONTINUATION OF MINISTRY

5. CANONICAL CONSIDERATIONS

6. PRIEST PERSONNEL RECORDS