EPARCHY OF OUR LADY PROCEDURES FOR RECEIVING AND RESPONDING TO REPORTS OF SEXUAL ABUSE OF MINORS BY CLERGY
The Eparchial Review Board has established procedures for reporting and responding to allegations of sexual abuse of minors by priests, deacons and other employees of the Eparchy.
If the victim is still a minor, a report should be filed immediately (within 24 hours) with the nearest law enforcement agency.
Any allegation of sexual misconduct will be taken seriously by the Eparchy and the process of investigation will be initiated immediately. Allegations should be reported to Father Peter Karam, Director of the Eparchial Office for the Protection of Minors, by phoning (216) 781-6161.
When the allegation is against a priest or deacon, the following steps will be taken:
1. The Eparchy will request a personal interview with the one making the allegation.
2. If the alleged victim is presently a minor, the Eparchy shall comply with all civil reporting requirements. If the allegation is made by one who is no longer a minor, the Diocese will file a police report and will encourage the victim to file a report as well.
3. The Bishop will be informed of the allegation. Pursuant to the requirements of Canon Law, the Promoter of Justice will be informed.
4. If the safety of the children requires the immediate withdrawal of the accused from ministry, the Bishop will be so advised. The Bishop may place the accused on administrative leave at any time during the process. Every effort wit! be made to protect the good name of both the victim and the accused, who have a right to confidentiality.
5. The allegations will be investigated by the Eparchy and by civil authorities if they deem it appropriate. No action of the Eparchy wilt impede the investigation by civil authorities and the Eparchy will cooperate with any and all civil investigations.
6. The Victims' Advocate of the Eparchy will assist the victim, and, when appropriate, the victims' family, in accessing all needed services, will help the victim to understand the process and will provide the assistance as needed.
7. When there is sufficient evidence that sexual abuse of a minor by a cleric has occurred, the Bishop will implement the proceedings required by Canon Law. The alleged offender may be requested to seek appropriate medical and psychological evaluation at a facility mutually acceptable to the Eparchy and the accused, as long as this does not interfere with any investigation by civil authorities.
8. The Eparchial investigator shall prepare a confidential report of the findings. The confidential report will be submitted to the Bishop, who will consult with the Eparchial Review Board. The Board will advise the Bishop of its determinations and conclusions.
9. Even a single act of sexual abuse of a minor by a priest or deacon shall result in permanent removal from ministry. The cleric may also be removed from the clerical state. The Bishop will offer the cleric professional assistance for his own healing and well being, and for the purpose of prevention.
EPARCHY OF OUR LADY PROCEDURES FOR RECEIVING AND RESPONDING TO REPORTS OF SEXUAL ABUSE of MINORS by LAY CHURCH WORKERS
Allegations of sexual misconduct by a lay employee of the Eparchy made by a person who is still a minor will be reported to civil authorities as is required by law. The accused may be placed on administrative leave while the investigation is conducted. The Eparchy will encourage the accuser to file a police report. The Eparchy will cooperate in all civil investigations and, if circumstances warrant, conduct an investigation of its own. The Bishop will be informed of all actions taken with regard to allegations of sexual misconduct.