2004 Accountability Report – We have continued implementation of the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People,” which provides a comprehensive framework for addressing allegations of sexual abuse and for creating safe environments in parishes and schools. In November 2003 the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops audited every diocese for compliance with the Charter. The Archdiocese of Louisville was found to be fully compliant with all elements of the Charter and did not receive any suggested or required changes in reference to the implementation of the Charter.
The following is an update on the major elements of our sexual abuse response as of June 30, 2004:
Sexual Abuse Policies: Revised policies were developed and had been distributed to 6,000 individuals as of June 30, 2004.
Sexual Abuse Review Board—The Review Board meets regularly to review past and present cases and to monitor the implementation of our sexual abuse policies.
Victim Assistance and Outreach – Archbishop Kelly invited all victims of sexual abuse to meet with him or an archdiocesan victim assistance coordinator and collaborated with several victims/survivors on a healing service for victims and parishioners. Two victim assistance coordinators – Dr. Tom Robbins and Ms. Brenda Marshall – are available to meet with victims/survivors and can be reached by calling 502/636-1044.
Prevention/Education – A web page of sexual abuse policies, parent information, and community resources has been developed. More than 6,000 employees and volunteers have participated in comprehensive safe environment training conducted in collaboration with the Center for Women and Families.
Priest Assignment and Status – All priests with a substantiated accusation of childhood sexual abuse have been removed from public ministry. The cases of priests with substantiated cases of childhood sexual abuse are being reported to the Holy See. (Only the Holy See can dismiss a priest permanently from the clerical state.)
Sexual Abuse Expenditures
We have pledged to be accountable for how funds are used to address the problem of sexual abuse. Here is a summary reflecting funds that the Archdiocese was committed to pay beginning July 1, 2003 and ending June 30, 2004:
| Counseling Fees for Victims/Survivors | $24,008 |
| Settlement for Victims/Survivors | $93,000 |
| Legal Fees | $194,275 |
| Communication with Parishioners | $45,858 |
| Prevention/Education | $36,398 |
| Miscellaneous | $5,937 |
| Accused Priest Expense | $125,321 |
| Total: | $524,797 |
