Hartford, Thursday, November 18, 2004:

The Archdiocese of Hartford today released details of its 2004 annual audit, performed by the Gavin Group, as called for by the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.  The Audit Summary found that the Archdiocese of Hartford is compliant with all articles of the Charter.

 In June of 2002, the U.S. Catholic Bishops approved the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and created a National Review Board, which oversees the implementation of the Charter provisions by dioceses around the country. 

 During the week of October 18-22, 2004, auditors from the Gavin Group, Inc., the organization selected by the Office of Child and Youth Protection to conduct Charter compliance audits of every diocese and eparchy in the United States, investigated and evaluated how well the Archdiocese of Hartford is implementing the provisions of the Charter.  The Archdiocese cooperated fully with the members of the audit team and is grateful to that team for their independent analysis.

 Archbishop Henry Mansell says, “The Archdiocese of Hartford remains committed to protecting the safety of children and young people.  This audit report validates our broad-based efforts to comply with the Charter.”

 Audit Highlights:

· The Archdiocese has a victim assistance coordinator, Sister Mary Kelly, who is an educator with 40 years experience working with children.

· The Archdiocese has a 5 member Review Board, which serves as a confidential consultative body to the Archbishop.

· The Archdiocese has a policy in place to prevent the sexual abuse of minors, and to deal with any allegations, should they arrive and to report such cases to public authorities.  There have been no cases to report during the audit period.

· The Archdiocese has established clear and well-publicized standards of ministerial behavior for priests and deacons, and employs screening and evaluative techniques in deciding the fitness of candidates for ordination.

· The Archdiocese conducts background evaluations for all personnel who have regular contact with minors.

· The Archdiocese has fully implemented a “safe environment” education program, which includes components for children, adults, teachers, parents and priests.

· A communication policy is in effect which reflects the Archbishop’s pledge to be open and transparent on matters regarding the sexual abuse of children.

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