Standard Operating Procedure
To Guarantee an Effective Response to
Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors
Specific steps are taken to ensure that all situations that should be reported to local law enforcement authorities are referred immediately. Attached to the Diocesan Policy on Sexual Misconduct is a copy of the approved Code of Conduct for clergy and all other church personnel in positions of trust. This Code has been agreed to and signed by all personnel entrusted with the safety and well being of our children. When a report of abuse of a minor is made to Diocesan personnel, only basic questions are asked to establish that a crime has been committed. Who what, when and where are the only questions asked of a minor before placing a call to law enforcement or Child Protective Services (CPS). In collaboration with law enforcement, this has been determined as the best method to reduce trauma to the child that can be caused by the interviewing process.The parent or guardian of the child is provided with written information from the YPA that will include information regarding supportive services for the child and their family.When a victim is over the age of eighteen but is legally vulnerable due to physical or mental impairment, the same procedures will be followed as in the case of a minor.
When referring to law enforcement or CPS, the YPA will document the Department Reporting number (called the “DR”) on a standardized form that may be copied for law enforcement or CPS as requested. A file with the basic information will be opened and forwarded to the appropriate staff personnel and the confidential Review Board. If public Authorities determine that they will not be able to move forward with a case, it is the responsibility of the Diocese to determine if a case is considered “credible” and the MOC or the Bishop may designate a team to conduct an internal investigation to protect our children from further victimization. The Diocesan MOC or the Bishop may decide to apply precautionary measures such as relieving the accused of his or her duties. When a victim is over the age of eighteen but is legally vulnerable due to physical or mental impairment, the Diocese of Phoenix has determined that the same steps taken as if the adult were a minor will be implemented.Geographical Issues that affect an Effective ResponseThe Diocese of Phoenix has come to realize that victims who report sexual abuse come from all parts of the country and may have been abused in other diocesan areas. Consequently we believe that it is incumbent on each Diocese or Archdiocese to assist victims by developing systems of support on a nationwide basis to reduce the amount of stress and additional trauma to each reporting person.When victims report sexual abuse from another geographical area, the Youth Protection Advocate will document the report as if it occurred in the Diocese of Phoenix. The Advocate will offer both pastoral, therapeutic and social services in the same manner and context as for victims from our community. The Office will contact the Diocese or Religious Order regarding the complaint to request a commitment of financial support using the same guidelines as our own. In the event that the receiving Diocese or Religious Order is not willing to financially support the victim, the Diocese of Phoenix will accept the responsibility following their own policies and procedures, and address the issue through the Moderator of the Curia and/or the Bishop. To provide this continuity of services, the Diocese of Phoenix has established a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with the majority of the Religious Communities and some other Diocesan Centers to fully support and abide by one another’s policies. In the event that one of our personnel is accused of sexual misconduct outside of our area, the Diocese of Phoenix will fully support the established procedures of that area.Pastoral, Social Services Agencies & Therapeutic ServicesDesignated certified Spiritual Advisors are authorized to provide pastoral services to victims of sexual abuse. The Office of Child & Youth Protection collaborates with federally approved non-profit agencies with a 501 (‘C) 3 statuses or duly approved state & local agencies. Referrals are based on geographic area and client’s needs.The Review Board has authorized the YPA to approve individual counseling sessions, not to exceed 25 sessions within a period of six months. An evaluation and prognosis report is required of the therapist at the end of six months, prior to the final bill being submitted to the YPA. The Clinical Review Panel “The Panel” will be consulted to make final determinations regarding on-going therapeutic needs if additional therapy is requested. Based on the evaluation received, additional counseling may be authorized. The Panel is an independent group of professionals in the medical and mental health fields, who volunteer for the Diocese of Phoenix for this specific purpose.The Diocese will not be responsible for expenses incurred due to missed appointments, telephone sessions and if a pattern of unexcused absences occurs, services may be discontinued. Payment will not be made for counseling or medication not previously approved by the diocese. All expenses for therapy of medication will be sent directly to the Diocese of Phoenix, care of the Youth Protection Advocate, 400 E. Monroe, Phx, AZ, 85004-2336. Other therapeutic requirements include:
• Counselors submit a resume with verification of professional credentials, liability and specialization on an annual basis
• Counselors notify the Office of Child and Youth Protection if the person interrupts or terminates the counseling for any reason
• The expense of counseling paid by the Diocese of Phoenix will be noted in any settlement agreement
• All billing for therapeutic expenses will be discontinued after two years of service