2012 Child Protection wrap, March 30, 2012

Page 1

Catholic san Francisco Northern California’s Weekly Catholic Newspaper

APRIL IS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH Dear Catholics of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, This June will mark the tenth anniversary of the USCCB Charter on Children, now referred to as “Promise to Protect; Pledge to Heal.” We have fingerprinted all our clergy and the teachers in our schools for many years, but this is also the tenth anniversary of the creation of a concentrated set of policies, procedures, and activities to keep children safe in accord with the Charter. This includes all employees and volunteers who work with children, and we teach the children themselves how to stay safe. Our combined efforts are proving successful. Children now know that they can establish boundaries and they feel freer to talk to an adult if those boundaries are violated. Adults are knowledgeable about recognizing the possibility of abuse and know how to report it properly. People who have such crimes in their background simply no longer apply to work in our parishes and schools. Our priests and deacons have a heightened awareness of the importance of maintaining appropriate boundaries. Even as we celebrate these successes, we are saddened by the loss of Barbara Elordi who came to work for the Archdiocese on a part-time basis in 2002 and became full-time in 2005. Barbara helped craft these programs of prevention. She directed the creation of the courses we use to teach adults and young people (grades four through twelve), and helped select the program used for children in pre-school through third grade. Barbara also acted as the liaison with adult survivors of abuse and was responsible for navigating any new allegations through the process while maintaining confidentiality to protect all concerned. She brought a love for people, an ability to accept everyone, and professional support skills to the position. She is sorely missed.

A Prayer for Healing Vctims of Abuse God of endless love, Ever caring, ever strong, Always present, always just; You gave Your only Son to save us by the blood of His cross. Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace, join to Your own suffering the pain of all who have been hurt in body, mind, and spirit by those who betrayed the trust placed in them. Hear our cries as we agonize over the harm done to our brothers and sisters. Breathe wisdom into our prayers, soothe restless hearts with hope, steady shaken spirits with faith; Show us the way to justice and wholeness, enlightened by truth and enfolded in Your mercy. Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts, Heal Your people’s wounds and transform our brokenness. Grant us courage and wisdom, humility and grace, so that we may act with justice and peace in You. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen Copyright © 2004, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. All rights reserved.

Please continue to help us maintain this program as we endeavor to replace Barbara and to continually improve on what we do. None of this success would be possible without your help and support. Together, we can ensure a healthy future for our children. Yours in the peace of Christ,

Most Reverend George Niederauer Archbishop of San Francisco

In Memory of

Barbara Elordi

SAN FRANCISCO INDEPENDENT REVIEW BOARD (IRB) Archbishop Niederauer has identified a group of well-educated and highly skilled professionals to advise the Archdiocese on matters relating to abuse by clergy. This group includes a psychologist (Dr. Suzanne McDonnell Giraudo), a pediatrician (Dr. Eileen G. Aicardi), an attorney (Sr. Mary Gemma O’Keeffe, RSM), a retired judge (Honorable Claude D. Perasso), a retired policeman (Mr. Dan L. Lawson) and one pastor (Fr. John Ryan). There is a balance of men and women, and several members are also parents. The IRB oversees the “Safe Environment” program of the Archdiocese and has acted as a consultant to religious orders of priests. The Vicar for Clergy and the Archbishop meet regularly with this Board. The Victim Assistance Coordinator and the Diocesan Attorney serve as support staff, but are not members. They, along with the Archbishop and the Vicar for Clergy, excuse themselves during IRB deliberations on particular cases. The Judicial Vicar (Msgr. Michael Padazinski) takes part in deliberations but is not a member and has no vote. The Archdiocese’s Victim Assistance Coordinator can be reached at (415) 614-5506, and works with the Archbishop, the Independent Review Board and the Vicar for Clergy to coordinate support for victims and their families.

ARCHDIOCESE V ICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR 415.614.5506 For additional information contact Deacon John Norris, Director of the Office of Child and Youth Protection norrisj@sfarchdiocese.org or 415.614.5504

March 30, 2012

ONE DOLLAR

VOLUME 14

No. 11


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2012 Child Protection wrap, March 30, 2012 by Catholic San Francisco - Issuu