According to a summary of the Gavin Group’s 2004 audit findings on the Diocese of Rochester, the diocese has met standards of the U.S. bishops’ charter in all the following areas:
Healing and reconciliation:
* Has a policy in place for prevention of sexual abuse of minors by clergy.
* Provides outreach for victims/survivors and their families.
* Has offered to meet with victims/survivors who have reported allegations since the last audit.
* Provides outreach for faith communities in which sexual abuse occurred.
* Has a mechanism in place for prompt response to a credible allegation.
* Has two victim-assistance coordinators, Barbara Pedeville and Father Robert Ring.
* Has had a review board in place since 1993.
* Has printed and publicized procedures for making complaints of abuse.
Effective response:
* Has reported all allegations of sexual abuse of a minor since the last audit.
* Has an effective liaison with civil authorities.
* Cooperates with authorities about reporting when the person is no longer a minor.
* Advises victims/survivors of their right to report allegations to civil authorities.
* Complies with all applicable canon law.
* Permanently removes a priest or deacon against whom an offense is proven.
* Offers professional assistance to offending priests or deacons.
* Has clear, well-publicized standards of behavior for church personnel.
* Maintains a policy of openness and transparency on issues regarding sexual abuse of children.
Protecting the faithful in the future:
* Has fully implemented a “safe environment” program that includes educational programs for children; parents and guardians; ministers; diocesan and parish employees; educators; and volunteers.
* Has clear, well-publicized standards of conduct for these people.
* Conducts background checks for all diocesan and parish personnel who have regular contact with children.
* Provides adequate screening and evaluation in determining the fitness of candidates for ordination.
* Has not transferred any priest or deacon to another assignment, or to another diocese for residence, if that person has had a credible allegation of sexual abuse made against him since the last audit.
