CAMDEN (January 6, 2004) — An independent audit, the results of which were released today, has found that the Diocese of Camden is in full compliance with the U.S. bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
The audit report also formally commends the Diocese for a number of its initiatives on behalf of victims. The audit was conducted by the Gavin Group, Inc. of Boston, an independent firm of experienced compliance auditors, many of whom are former FBI agents and law enforcement officers. The Gavin Group was retained by the U.S. bishops’ Office of Youth Protection to measure the progress made by each diocese to implement the Charter, which was adopted by the U.S. bishops in June 2002. The audit of the Diocese of Camden was conducted August 4-6, 2003 and a report of the audit results was released today.
The auditors commended the Diocese for its Clinical Advisory Panel, a three-person panel of experienced mental health professionals who conduct quarterly reviews with the Diocese’s Victims Assistance Coordinator to ensure that the level and quality of care being provided meets the needs of victims.
The auditors also commended the Diocese for its development of a special support group available for victims administered independently of the Diocese. The report also noted with approval other efforts of the Diocese, including:
- its comprehensive program of outreach to victims;
- an independent, toll-free 800 number for the reporting of allegations;
- the reporting of allegations by the Diocese to civil authorities;
- its long-standing cooperation with law enforcement;
- the diversity and qualifications of its nine-member Diocesan Review Board;
- a range of safe-environment and prevention programs;
- its open, active communication with parishioners and the public.
At the suggestion of victims, the report also recommended that the Diocese continue its existing policy of periodically apprising victims of the status of their cases. In comments to the Diocese after the audit, the auditors praised the diocese for “exceeding expectations” with “innovative measures that go above and beyond the Charter’s mandates,” for being “totally cooperative in every facet of the audit,” and noted that “the depth of [the Diocese’s] preparation reflected highly on [its] commitment not only to the letter but the spirit of the Charter.
” “We are grateful that independent auditors with no connection or affiliation with the Church have recognized—and have so clearly affirmed—that the efforts of this Diocese not only fully meet the obligations of the Charter, but exceed them in many areas,” said Rev. Msgr. Thomas J. Morgan, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Camden.
“Yet, we also know that the comprehensive measures adopted by this Diocese are only the first steps in an on-going effort to ensure that victims receive healing, that allegations are promptly responded to, and that effective measures are in place to prevent abuse in the future.”