Abbot Nathan's Statement

IV. REVIEW BOARD

A. PURPOSE?

The Review Board assists the Abbot of Mount Angel Abbey in maintaining a climate of safety and respect for all children and young people who participate in Abbey-sponsored programs and ministries, or who visit the Abbey. The Board’s work includes reviewing pertinent policies and programs, advising on educational requirements, helping to address complaints of child abuse on the part of clerics, and recommending ways to foster healing and reconciliation where needed. The work of the Review Board adheres to the procedures outlined in the Mount Angel Abbey Program for Child Protection. In the case of a non-clerical member of Mount Angel Abbey who is accused of child abuse, the Abbot may seek the advice of the Review Board and would follow the appropriate canonical procedure.

The Review Board:

	1.	reviews the Program for Child Protection on an annual basis with a focus on the effectiveness of its implementation;
	2.	reviews the work of the Office of Child Protection on an annual basis;
	3.	provides a safe and effective forum for hearing complaints of child abuse against monks, employees and volunteers of Mount Angel Abbey;
	4.	offers advice to the Abbot on all aspects of a complaint of child abuse by a cleric of Mount Angel Abbey.

B. PROCEDURES

Policies and Procedures

The chair schedules an annual meeting to review the Program for Child Protection, as well as the work of the Office of Child Protection.

Allegations of Current Child Abuse

If the complaints are subject to reporting under Oregon law, and this has not yet been done, the Abbey will file a report and cooperate fully with the civil and criminal authorities in their investigation. During the time of a criminal investigation, the Review Board does not enter into the process.

Allegations of Past Child Abuse

	a.	After a complaint of child abuse has been made against a living cleric of the monastic community through the Office of Child Protection, and the initial interview has been completed, pastoral care for the complainant is offered. If there is no ongoing civil litigation, the Abbot determines if the allegation constitutes a reserved delict "with at least a semblance of truth." (see Appendix A).
	b.	If the person making the complaint requests to speak to the Review Board, the Abbot may ask the chair to convene the Board for this purpose. The parameters and expectations for the meeting are provided in advance to the person making the complaint in order to keep the role of the Review Board clear. An opportunity for speaking to the Review Board is also made available to the accused under the same conditions.
	c.	If the Abbot determines that the complaint does not have at least the semblance of truth, no action against the cleric is mandated. If the Abbot determines that the allegation does have at least a semblance of truth, he issues a decree opening a "preliminary investigation." (see Appendix A).
	d.	Once the Abbot has received the written report on the findings of the preliminary investigation he or his delegate convenes the Review Board. The Review Board examines the report and advises the Abbot as to the proper implementation of policy and procedure, as well as a responsible course of action.
	e.	The complainant or the accused do not have the right to inspect the acts of the preliminary investigation or to receive a copy of them.
	f.	The Abbot or his delegate reconvenes the Board to report on important developments in the case and to seek additional advice as needed. The Review Board is careful to avoid any interference with civil legal processes.

C. MEMBERSHIP

Review Board members are chosen from the Catholic faithful for their professional competence and prudent judgment. They receive no compensation.

	1.	The Abbot and Prior of Mount Angel Abbey serve ex officio.
	2.	The Office of Child Protection Coordinator is a non-voting member.
	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.	Catholic lay men and women from the broader community are appointed by the Abbot.
	5.	The Board is advisory to the Abbot.
	6.	Members are indemnified through Catholic Mutual of Omaha.

D. TERM

	1.	Appointed members may serve for two consecutive three-year terms.
	2.	Appointments are staggered in order to provide continuity.

E. MEETINGS

	1.	Meetings are held on an ad hoc basis.
	2.	The designated chair convenes and presides at all meetings.
	3.	The chair, in collaboration with the Abbot, prepares the agenda.
	4.	Members are provided access to information required for the fulfillment of their responsibilities.

F. CONFIDENTIALITY

All information regarding persons obtained by a member of the Review Board, including written notes and other confidential materials, remains the property of Mount Angel Abbey. Such information is confidential. Each member of the Board must sign a confidentiality agreement.

Such information is also protected to the extent provided for by the priest-penitent privilege and the attorney-client privilege and other legal privileges that may exist.

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