Report says Tuam Archdiocese doing well on child protection

By DAVID BURKE SERIOUS HARM was done in the past to children by a few priests of the Archdiocese of Tuam, but for the past 16 years the archdiocese has implemented strict and effective child protection policies. This is the finding of a report published today (Wednesday) by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church (NBSCCC). The report is based on an audit carried out in June of this year, at the request of Archbishop Michael Neary, and involved the study of case files and interviews with key personnel in the archdiocesan structure. [private] The report distinguishes the attitude of Dr Neary, who was installed in 1995, from that of his predecessors. It says that 'the commitment to safeguarding children that is evident in the archdiocese today appears not to have existed in previous years. Many of the cases that were managed by the Archbishop's predecessors contain practice that is defensive and internally focused, which would be entirely unacceptable today. These cases showed a lack of awareness of the suffering caused to victims by abusers. 'It is very much to the credit of those currently involved in safeguarding in the archdiocese that no trace of this practice remains today.' The number of allegations of abuse made against priests of the Tuam Archdiocese totals 26, but some of these date back to the 1940s. The allegations name 18 priests, none of whom is in active ministry or retired. Ten have died, and the other eight are out of ministry or have left the priesthood. There have been no allegations in the last 20 years, according to Archbishop Neary. No specific parishes or locations are mentioned in the report, but it does refer to 'a local second level school ... which had in the past acted as the Junior Seminary'. St Jarlath's College This school is St Jarlath's College, Tuam, and the auditing team noted that a disproportionate number of allegations were made against priests working there. It states: 'This raised concerns about the historical lack of safeguarding mechanisms within the school and also about the absence of a child centred culture. It is recorded on a case file that one young person indicated that when he tried to raise his distress about how he was being treated by one member of staff, this was met with aggression from another member of staff. However, all allegations were referred to the statutory authorities. These incidents took place over 20 years ago and considerable change has taken place since then within the school. It is understood that great importance is given, by the current school leadership team, to developing a strong pastoral care policy and practice. Attempts have been made to encourage an active dialogue between students and staff through the existence of a students' council. Such developments are to be welcomed.' The current President of St Jarlath's, Fr Brendan Kilcoyne, told The Tuam Herald that 'The modern St Jarlath's College is committed to student safety, confidence and empowerment.' The report is very complimentary towards the Archbishop and his case management team, and says that the auditors were impressed by their support for the review process. It says that all involved in the archdiocesan Safeguarding Committee, both cleric and lay people, and all priests and safeguarding representatives in parishes, have taken the standard HSE nine-hour Keeping Safe training programme. The report adds that 'The training manager's enthusiasm is infectious, and this along with good support from his colleagues on the committee ensures that the culture of creating safe environments is a live issue in Tuam.' It also refers to the lay member of the committee whom they interviewed. 'She also takes on the role as Support Person for Victims, and sits on the Advisory Committee. This person has a full time job outside diocesan work, but does not appear to be at all fazed by the many roles she holds. She is a grounded pleasant lady who clearly offers great support to the work of safeguarding children within the archdiocese.' The auditors spoke to several priests, and were told by one that 'the last few years have been very challenging for all the priests of the archdiocese, and that while they have the Association of Catholic Priests, perhaps the fear and stress they feel needs to be further addressed by the archdiocese.' Among the recommendations made by the NBSCCC is that the Archbishop should consider writing to all credible complainants offering support and counselling, and that there should be a diocesan procedure on the use of video cameras. In a statement, Archbishop Michael Neary said: 'The report illustrates that strong procedures have been put in place to ensure that children are safe and cherished here in the Archdiocese of Tuam. 'I warmly welcome the Report of Ian Elliott, the CEO of the National Board, and am very happy that he has adjudicated so positively on the way things are being addressed in our Archdiocese. This is an enormous tribute to all working in this area. It is very encouraging to see that their work has been recognised, affirmed and appreciated in the Report. They convened and worked long hours to address the problems of sexual abuse in a fair and transparent manner. I want to thank all who were involved in this important work for the way in which they have given so generously of their time and expertise. Each parish now has a trained Child Safeguarding Representative. 'I am grateful to Ian Elliott, the members of the National Office and the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church for their guidance, availability and on-going support. 'As Archbishop I have had to address these sad situations. I was convinced that it would be impossible to do so without involving lay people, particularly parents and especially mothers who have been nurturing, cherishing and protecting children day in day out. I appointed an Advisory Panel, men and women, professional and highly qualified lay people, religious and priests from whom I have taken advice in dealing with cases of abuse. Conscious of the urgency and centrality of safeguarding children the Safeguarding Committee has worked diligently and voluntarily to ensure that the safest possible environment is created for children in the Catholic Church in our Archdiocese. 'This is not something, however, about which we can become complacent. The safeguarding and cherishing of children in the Catholic Church must continue to remain a challenge for all of us. 'Foremost in my thoughts are the survivors of child sexual abuse and their families, the harm and the hurt which they have experienced and the courage which they displayed in telling their story. I have apologised to them in the past and wish to reiterate my apology today. I invite anyone who has been abused to come forward and report the matter either to the Archdiocese and/or to the statutory authorities. Counselling help is available at the dedicated helpline; Towards Healing - Freephone 1800 303416 or log on to www.towardshealing.ie.' [/private]