Policies+for+Maintaining+Ethical+Ministry+with+Minors+-+2023+FINAL - Flipbook - Page 20
APPENDIX B
TRANSPARENCY IN RESPONDING TO REPORTS AND ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE
The Institute is committed to demonstrating transparency in its response to allegations of sexual abuse of minors and acknowledges its importance in restoring trust in the Institute. To ensure a proper and transparent response, the Institute will respect the
following in its communications with Dioceses, organizations, the Religious Institute, the faith community, the public, and other
potential stakeholders.
• The Institute will communicate verbally and in writing with the diocesan bishop and/or the organization where the alleged
abuse took place, as well as with the diocesan bishop and/or the employer where the Member is currently working or residing:
• When a report or allegation is received;
• When an investigation is initiated;
• When an investigation is complete; and
• To notify them of the results of the investigation and resolution of the case.
• The Institute will communicate and/or consult with the Review Board:
• Within 30 days of receiving the report or allegation of abuse; and
• As soon as possible after receiving the full investigation report.
• Depending on the case and circumstances, it may also be necessary and prudent to communicate with the Religious
Institute, the faith community, the public, and other potential stakeholders at different points throughout the process, but
particularly when an allegation is established, or a Member has admitted to the sexual abuse of a minor.
• In all internal and external communications, the Institute will seek to be proactive, timely, transparent, accurate, consistent,
and unified. It will also seek to be responsible with the information it shares and make sure it does not compromise any
ongoing investigations.
• It is always best for other Members in the Institute to learn of reports or allegations of abuse from the Institute itself, particularly when the allegation may be made public. Inform them of the allegation and let them know the Institute is taking the
necessary steps to support both the survivor and the Member accused. Members should also be asked to not answer any
external inquiries about the allegation, but to direct the person to the Brother Visitor, who is the designated spokesperson.
• The Institute has designated the Brother Visitor as the spokesperson for the Institute to respond to inquiries from the faith
community, the media, and other external stakeholders. As a proactive measure and in anticipation of external inquiries a
short statement will be prepared.
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