Abbot Nathan's Statement

III. CHILD ABUSE POLICY

[Effective September 1, 1993; Revised October 10, 2003; Revised August 31, 2005]

The following document reflects the policies and procedures of Mount Angel Abbey with regard to child abuse. This document is based upon the teachings of the Catholic Church and its Canon Law in addition to concepts of civil and criminal law. Nothing in this document is intended to create or confer any additional legal or civil rights.

A. GENERAL PRINCIPLES

	1.	Child abuse is contrary to the Gospel. Child abuse is contrary to all that the Catholic Church believes and professes about the dignity of human persons. Thus, it is the policy of Mount Angel Abbey that child abuse of any kind is never to be tolerated.
	2.	The Abbey fully subscribes to the June 2002 American Bishops' Charter and Norms for the Protection of Children and Young People.
	3.	Mount Angel Abbey recognizes that no policy in itself prevents child abuse. Strict adherence to the policy and institutional wide vigilance prevent child abuse and help assure that no child is victimized.
	4.	This policy reflects Mount Angel Abbey's commitment to promote and protect the dignity of each person, and to clearly manifest that Mount Angel Abbey takes seriously the responsibility to provide a safe environment for children and young people.
	5.	Any protocols in this policy that are not already in place will be implemented as soon as possible.

B. POLICY ON CHILD ABUSE

	1.	The Abbey renews its commitment to provide a safe environment for children and young people and to assist Abbey personnel and seminarians in recognizing, reporting, and attending to the needs of abused children and their families. All Abbey personnel and seminarians shall maintain the integrity of the ministerial relationship at all times. Abusive conduct of any kind, including sexual conduct, between one who is performing duties on behalf of the Abbey and a minor, is not only criminal, it is a violation of the sixth commandment and Catholic moral teaching.
	2.	Persons with reasonable cause to suspect child abuse by any person acting on behalf of Mount Angel Abbey – whether monk, employee, volunteer, or seminarian – are required to report directly to civil authorities and the Abbey's Coordinator for the Office of Child Protection. In the case of a seminarian, the President-Rector implements the policy and procedures of the program as outlined in this document in collaboration with the Coordinator of the Office of Child Protection.
	3.	The response of the Abbey in cases of child abuse by any of its personnel or seminarians will address the pastoral needs of the victim, the well being of the community, and the assessment and treatment of the offender. Care is to be taken that all involved are treated in a manner that is consistent with the Gospel values of compassion, understanding, and justice, as well as those standards that are normative in the wider professional community.

C. REPORTING CHILD ABUSE

The term "child abuse" may refer to the physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse or exploitation, mental injury, or threat of harm to a minor. Child abuse of any kind is a violation of state law. Some Church personnel (e.g., school personnel and clergy) are Mandatory reporters under Oregon law and must report suspected abuse to civil authorities. (See Appendix D, #3, ORS 419B.005 and ORS 419B.010.)

	1.	Mandatory Reporting by Abbey Personnel and Seminarians Clergy, school employees (all levels of education), and other mandatory reporters are required by law to report (or cause to be reported) suspected child abuse to the Department of Human Services ("DHS") or to a law enforcement agency. (See Appendix E for local telephone numbers for reporting child abuse.) The Abbey expects all mandatory reporters to fulfill this legal obligation and report the matter immediately to the Coordinator for the Office of Child Protection.
	2.	Voluntary Reporters The Abbey requires its personnel and seminarians, that are not mandatory reporters under Oregon law, to voluntarily report suspected child abuse when they have reasonable grounds to do so. Such reports should be made to the Department of Human Services ("DHS") or to a law enforcement agency and to the Coordinator for the Office of Child Protection (See Appendix E for local telephone numbers for reporting child abuse.)
	3.	Questions on Child Abuse Reporting Abbey personnel and seminarians are encouraged to call the Coordinator for the Office of Child Protection or the Oregon Department of Human Services Child Abuse Hotline with questions concerning the reporting of child abuse. The Oregon Department of Human Services is available for consultation as well as reporting. (See Appendix E for local telephone numbers.)
	4.	The Seal of Confession A priest is absolutely prohibited from revealing, in words or in any manner for any reason information acquired from a sacramental confession. The sacramental seal of confession is inviolable. This confidentiality is recognized under Oregon law. (See Appendix C, ORS 419B.010(1); ORS 40.260(3).) Clergy of the Abbey, or those ministering there who have questions about child abuse reporting that involve clergy-penitent privilege, should contact the Prior of the Abbey, who is a Canon Lawyer (503-845-3568).
	5.	Reporting Present Abuse Anyone who has reasonable cause to believe that child abuse involving Abbey personnel or seminarians is a present concern should report the suspected abuse directly to civil authorities. The Office of Child Protection is available to anyone who seeks advice about questions related to the reporting of abuse. (See Appendix E for local telephone numbers.)
	6.	Reporting Past Abuse The Abbey seeks to promote healing and reconciliation for those who have suffered child abuse by Abbey personnel. Even when the abuse is past the statute of limitations for criminal offenses, complainants are encouraged to contact the Office of Child Protection at (503) 845-3515, or by emailing officeofchildprotection@mtangel.edu. The Abbey will provide pastoral and other assistance when appropriate on a case-by-case basis.

D. THE ABBEY'S RESPONSE TO CHILD ABUSE

A sacred relationship exists between the Catholic Church and all persons, whether they are children or adults. Child abuse of any kind is a matter of gravest concern. Knowledge of such abuse calls for a timely response so that the safety of the child and the community is assured and healing can begin.

	1.	The Coordinator of the Office of Child Protection will respond promptly to persons who contact the Abbey through the Office of Child Protection concerning child abuse. The Coordinator will receive the information and will inform the Abbot, or, in the case of a seminarian, the Abbot and the President-Rector. In the case of a complaint against a member of the monastic community, a complainant may request to meet with the Abbot and/or the Abbey's Review Board.
	2.	When the Abbey is informed of allegations of child abuse by any of its personnel or seminarians, the Abbey will address the needs and rights of all involved – the person alleging abuse, the accused, the Abbey, Seminary, and larger community affected.
	3.	When allegations of child abuse have been made and the Abbey is providing outreach to persons affected, the Coordinator will keep in contact with the individual (or the parent or guardian of a minor) and his or her family, if appropriate. Psychological counseling, pastoral care, or the assistance of an advocate for healing may be offered in the spirit of Christian justice and charity as appropriate. When the Abbey pays for counseling, the Abbey authorizes the therapist. Whenever possible, the therapist will be one who specializes in the treatment of victims of child abuse.
	4.	If it appears that the report concerns present abuse by any Abbey personnel or seminarians, the complainant will be encouraged to report the suspected abuse directly to civil authorities. In addition, if the allegation is subject to reporting under ORS 419B.010, the Coordinator of the Office of Child Protection will make a report to an appropriate authority under that statute. The Coordinator will inform the complainant that a report was made to civil authorities.
	5.	The Abbey will cooperate fully with civil authorities in their investigation of the charges. To ensure that there will be no interference or perceived interference in the investigation by civil authorities, no further internal investigation will take place while the civil investigation is pending, except what may be required for compliance with canon law.
	6.	Unless civil authorities request otherwise, the accused individual also will be informed of the allegation by the Abbot and will be given every opportunity to respond to the charges. The Abbot may, at his discretion, place the person accused on paid or unpaid administrative leave depending on the circumstances and details of the accusation, and will encourage an outside professional assessment of the person accused. Should the accused be a cleric, canon law will be followed (see Appendices A and B). The person will remain on administrative leave pending the outcome of the internal and/or civil investigation. In the case of a seminarian, the President-Rector will decide the appropriate action to be taken.
	7.	Within the confines of respect for the privacy and the reputations of the individuals involved, the Abbey will deal as openly as possible with the larger community directly affected by the alleged ministerial misconduct with minors.

E. POSSIBLE OUTCOMES OF CHILD ABUSE REPORTING

The following are possible outcomes of the civil and/or internal investigation and assessment process:

Allegation Substantiated

	a.	If an allegation of child abuse against a member of Abbey personnel is substantiated or found credible, and the complaint is subject to reporting under Oregon law, the person accused will be subject to the sanctions of criminal and/or civil law.
	b.	If a cleric is found guilty under criminal and/or civil law of child abuse (or when it is determined that there is "a semblance of truth"), the Abbot shall also proceed according to the norms of canon law. (For allegations against a cleric, see Appendices A and B.)
	c.	If an non-clerical member is accused of child abuse, the Abbot may seek the advice of the Review Board and would follow the appropriate canonical procedures.
	d.	If an allegation of child abuse against non-monastic Abbey personnel is substantiated or found credible, the individual will be terminated from employment.
	e.	If an allegation of child abuse against a seminarian is substantiated or found credible, the individual will be dismissed from the seminary by the President-Rector.

Allegation Unsubstantiated

If an allegation of child abuse is unsubstantiated, disproved, or found not credible, the Abbot, in collaboration with the Coordinator (or in the case of a seminarian, the President-Rector), will inform the parties of the outcome of the investigation. If necessary, continued efforts will be made to maintain or restore the good name of the accused and provide for his or her well-being. If there are any future steps that can be taken to assure a return to normal relationships in the school, parish or entity involved, the Abbot will consider these steps.

Evidence Inconclusive

	a.	If the evidence is inconclusive as to the validity of an allegation of child abuse, two factors must be considered. First, the safety and well being of the alleged victim and the community must be protected. Second, the rights of the accused must be carefully considered.
	b.	Based on the charge and the nature of the evidence, lay employees or volunteers may receive corrective action or be terminated under the personnel policies of the Abbey in effect at that time.
	c.	If a civil or canonical investigation raises questions about continued fitness for ministry of a cleric of Mount Angel Abbey, the matter will be referred to the Abbey Review Board for further examination and recommendation to the Abbot. The Abbot may, as a result, issue a canonical prescript to the cleric.
	d.	The Coordinator (or in the case of a seminarian, the President-Rector) will also inform the parties of the outcome of the investigation and may make efforts to minimize the impact on the alleged victim and the community. In these cases, the Coordinator (or in the case of a seminarian, the President-Rector) may refer the alleged victim for follow-up pastoral care and psychological counseling, as appropriate.

One Abbey Drive • St. Benedict, Oregon 97373 • 503.845.3515
www.mtangel.edu