1. Archdiocese of Detroit Policy
Regarding the Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests, Deacons and Other
Church Personnel
(2003-Revision) …p. 2
2. Charter
for the Protection of Children and Young People (USCCB, 2002)
…p. 11
3. Essential
Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies (USCCB, 2002) …p. 26
4.
Michigan Child Protection Law ...p. 33
5. Family Independence Agency Offices …p. 35
5.
Archdiocesan Policy on Criminal History Background Checks ...p.
36
6.
Contacting the Archdiocese of Detroit & Civil Authorities ...p.
40
The policy,
Regarding the Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests, Deacons and Other
Church Personnel,
explains the following in detail how to respond to allegations of
abuse and actions to be taken. The
Charter for
the Protection of Children and Young People,
approved in Washington, D.C. by the catholic bishops of the U.S.
which adopts and implements policies based upon the following:
-
To promote
healing & reconciliation with victims/survivors of sexual abuse of
minors,
-
To guarantee an
effective response to allegations of sexual abuse of minors,
-
To ensure the
accountability of our procedures;
-
To protect the
faithful in the future.
The
Essential Norms
for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies,
approved by the Congregation for Bishops, explains the norms when
dealing with allegations of sexual abuse of minor by priests or
deacons. Since 1975, the
Michigan Child Protection Law
(MCL 722.621-638, the “Act,” available at
michigan.gov/fia, select Legal & Policy/Laws) has required
members of certain professions (e.g., physicians, nurses,
psychologists, counselors, social workers, teachers and school
administrators) to immediately report to the Michigan Family
Independence Agency (“FIA”) suspected child abuse or neglect.
Effective
March 1, 2003,
clergy (i.e., priests, deacons, religious) are also required to
immediately report to the FIA suspected child abuse or neglect. A
summary of the material provisions of the reporting requirements
under the Act is included in this section. At the end of this
section is a list of Family
Independence Agency Offices and contact numbers. Also included is
the
Archdiocesan Policy on Criminal History Background Checks,
which explains the general policy and procedure regarding screening
for all church personnel as well as volunteers working in any parish
or Archdiocesan institution who have unsupervised contact with a
child, the elderly or persons with disabilities.
Contacting the Archdiocese of Detroit & Civil Authorities
is included to information on how to contact the archdiocese
regarding a complaint of sexual abuse.
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