July 1, 2003

All appropriate personnel within the Diocese will comply with all applicable civil laws with respect to the reporting of allegations of sexual abuse of minors to civil authorities and will cooperate in their investigation. In every instance, the right of a person to make a report to public authorities will be supported.

Schools, institutions, agencies, and other organizations within the Diocese of St. Cloud have numerous daily contacts with many children. It is, therefore, imperative that all persons responsible for the care of children, particularly all staff members of parishes, schools, and agencies in the Diocese of St. Cloud, protect the rights of children and be alert to the possibility of child abuse. It is the policy of the Diocese of St. Cloud not only to fulfill the reporting law but also to cooperate fully with the investigating authorities.

Obligation to Report

Any cleric or church personnel who knows or has reason to believe that any church personnel may be guilty of sexual misconduct must comply with any applicable reporting or other requirements of state and local laws (unless to do so would violate priest/penitent relationship of the Sacrament of Reconciliation).

If the incident involves alleged abuse of a minor by church personnel (who has any direct or indirect responsibility for, a significant relationship with, or is in a position of authority to the minor) and has occurred during the past three years, a verbal report must be made within 24 hours to the Child Protection Department of the Social Services Department of the county where the alleged incident took place. A written report must be sent to social services within 72 hours, exclusive of weekends and holidays. One can also call the National Hotline for Child Abuse at 1-800-422-4453.

If the alleged abuse involves a vulnerable adult and has occurred during the past three years, a verbal report must be made within 24 hours to the designated point of entry where the alleged incident took place. A written report may be requested.

A report must be made to law enforcement if there is reason to believe that two or more children have been abused by a person not related to the children within the preceding ten (10) years.

Allegations of abuse of a minor involving church personnel who do not have any direct or indirect responsibility for, a significant relationship with, or who are not in a position of authority to the minor, should be made directly to a local law enforcement agency within the vicinity where the alleged incident took place.

If a person is unsure whether or not a situation should be reported, a local county social service child protection unit can be contacted, even anonymously, and a protection worker will help decide if reporting is necessary. A person may also contact the Assistance Coordinator or Vicar General for guidance.

Telephone numbers for county social service departments within the Diocese are listed in Appendix A.

The National Hotline for Child Abuse telephone number and designated entry points and telephone numbers for each county in the Diocese are listed in Appendix A.

If the alleged incident involves an adult who has been a victim of sexual misconduct, a report should be sent to the Vicar General.

All church personnel, as defined in this policy, must notify the Vicar General of an alleged incident of sexual misconduct. The Vicar General will notify the Bishop. If an allegation involves the Vicar General, the Bishop should be notified directly. If an allegation involves the Bishop, the Archbishop of the Diocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis should be notified.

Each reported incident will be immediately investigated, with care taken not to interfere with any civil/criminal investigation, and with a high level of Christian care, concern and confidentiality for all persons involved.