Abbot Nathan's Statement

Appendix C

Reporting Warning Signs that Could Lead to Child Abuse:

A. The following are examples of warning signs of potential child abuse.

Some warning signs of preferential offenders:

	a.	Finds reasons to spend time alone with minors
	b.	Prefers time with minors to time with peers
	c.	Gives gifts to minors, especially without permission
	d.	Goes overboard with physical contact with minors
	e.	Shows favoritism toward certain minors
	f.	Treats minors like equals or adults
	g.	Keeps secrets with minors
	h.	Ignores policies about interacting with minors
	i.	Breaks the rules
	j.	Uses inappropriate language with minors
	k.	Tells "off-color" jokes to minors

Some warning signs of situational offenders:

	a.	Excessively using alcohol
	b.	Uses of drugs
	c.	Experiencing anxiety or depression
	d.	Having trouble coping with loneliness
	e.	Facing rejection or disappointment
	f.	Coping with personal loss
	g.	Feels unappreciated and unrewarded for hard work
	h.	Becoming increasingly dependent on a "convenient" relationship with a minor, such as a minor who works in the house or is already involved with the individual

B. How should monks respond to warning signs in another monk at the Abbey?

	1.	The concerned member should make a verbal report to the Abbot or Prior within 24 hours of observing the unhealthy boundaries or relationship of another member with a minor. If possible, the name of the person reporting will not be disclosed.
	2.	The Abbot and Prior will consult with each other about the issue, and will carefully consider the severity of the boundary violation.
	3.	The Abbot or Prior will summarize the report in written form and investigate within 24 hours.
	4.	A follow-up report will be written after the investigation.

Note: If a member does not feel he can speak about the violation directly to the Abbot or Prior, he can write an anonymous note to them explaining his observation in detail.

The Abbey will provide support and assistance to any monk of Mount Angel Abbey who to him or another superior discloses concerns about his own attraction to minors or boundaries with minors. Such support and assistance may include, but may not be limited to, appropriate evaluation and/or treatment.

C. How should Abbey personnel and seminarians respond to warning signs in others at the Abbey?

Seminary personnel and seminarians should respond to warning signs in other seminary personnel by reporting these to the President-Rector. All other Abbey personnel and volunteers should report warning signs to the Office of Child Protection or the Abbot.

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