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Home / Safe Environments / Summary of Sexual Abuse Policy
Summary of the Clerical Sexual Abuse Policy for the Archdiocese of Detroit
There is a toll-free number for reporting to and/or speaking with the Archdiocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator: (866) 343-8055. Reports can also be made via mail to "The Archbishop's Review Board Delegate, Archdiocese of Detroit, 1234 Washington Boulevard, Detroit, Michigan 48226.
There is no time limit or restriction on bringing a complaint forward. If the complaint involves an incident from 20-months ago or 20-years ago, the archdiocese wants to hear about it.
Every complaint the archdiocese receives is immediately turned over to civil authorities, i.e., the local Prosecuting Attorney. If the authorities investigate, the archdiocese cooperates fully with them.
Regardless of what action civil authorities take, the Archdiocesan Review Board also considers the complaint. If deemed credible, the Board commences an investigation. Subsequent to the investigation, the Board makes a recommendation to the archbishop.
A Promoter of Ministerial Standards reports to the Archbishop's Delegate and Review Board Chair on the priests who have been removed or restricted in public ministry. This person checks on (monitors) these priests via phone and personal visits at least once a month, sometimes more often. Beyond tracking their adherence to the restrictions placed upon their ministry, the monitor also makes observations regarding the health and well being of the individuals. Pastoral support from Office for Clergy Life is provided when and where needed.
The Victim Assistance Coordinator is the first-line contact for those individuals who have reported cases to the archdiocese for whatever help and healing can be provided.
The archdiocese has had a clerical sexual abuse policy on the books since 1988. It has been tested, and it works well. The policy is informed by the "Dallas Charter" and the Essential Norms, promulgated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and by the requirements in canon (Church) and civil law.
The archdiocese is committed to promoting "Safe Environments" in every parish community and beyond. During the most recent reporting period, from July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2009, the archdiocese held 124 Protecting God's Children workshops and trained 6,195 adults. To date, over 56,000 adults have completed the required training.
Updated: March 29, 2010
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