Dioceses' abuse policies studied

National Catholic Reporter, April 16, 2004 by Dennis Coday

WASHINGTON -- Kathleen L. McChesney, executive director of the U.S. bishops' national Office of Child and Youth Protection, said her office is undertaking several studies to help bishops and dioceses deal with the clergy sex abuse crisis. This includes a study on models and best-practice standards for diocesan review boards handling sexual abuse issues, she said. The study is expected to be finished in June.

Other studies being done include:

* How victims can be treated more pastorally by the church after they come forward with an accusation.

* How to better prevent child sex abuse and how to better prepare bishops to handle such situations. The study will use input from victims.

McChesney said her office is also investigating whether adequate background checks can be done for people without Social Security numbers. She said she hopes to have an answer by the end of May.

Many dioceses with large foreign-born populations, such as people from Latin America, have volunteers lacking Social Security numbers, she said. U.S. bishops' policy requires background checks for all employees and volunteers working with children