Child and Vulnerable Adult Misconduct Policies and Procedures

The Diocese of Reno is committed to addressing situations of misconduct especially by clergy
who are rightfully held to a high moral standard as messengers of the Gospel.
A Review Board for the Protection of Children and Young People (RBPCYP) was established in
2002 to assist and advise the Bishop of Reno in the handling of child and vulnerable adult
misconduct cases. Its mission is regularly updated per the Norms and now includes vulnerable
adults. All regular members are persons recognized for their integrity, good judgment and full
communion with the Church. The majority of regular members are lay persons not in the
employ of the diocese, as per the Norm requirements. One member must have professional
experience in the area of sexual abuse of minors. The board meets at least twice a year and will
meet when called if an allegation has been made or according to need. The current review
board contains representative members of following areas of professional expertise:

• Social Work
• Legal
• Human Resources
• Health Care
• Retail Merchandising
• School Administration (Education)

While every case is unique, the following Summary of Procedures describes the general process
to be followed:

1. Mandated Reporters: The Nevada Revised Statute, Chapter 432B, Protection of Children
from Abuse and Neglect, requires any person who has reasonable cause to believe child
abuse may be occurring or has occurred to make a timely report to Child Protective
Services (CPS) or civil law enforcement agency.

2. Preliminary Investigation: When the Diocese or its agent becomes aware of a possible
situation of misconduct by clergy member or religious personnel, an initial inquiry is
conducted to establish the facts of the case. This initial inquiry seeks to determine if
any violations of diocesan policy may have occurred. This process is initiated regardless
of the CPS/law enforcement investigation. If the situation is deemed “Credible” then the
process continues to its conclusion.

3. Ascertaining the Facts: If warranted, the Diocese will follow up with a more thorough
investigation to gain a more complete understanding of the circumstances of the alleged
situation. Should any illegal activity be discovered or reported during this investigation,
local law enforcement will be notified if that did not already happen at the initial inquiry.
Individuals who report harm in good faith are protected from recourse when they file a
report with local Child Protective Services or local civil law enforcement.

4. Victim Assistance and Pastoral Care: Any persons who may have been harmed by
misconduct by clergy, a religious or its agent and their families will be offered
appropriate assistance to help them heal from their injury. This assistance may include
counselling as approved by the Bishop or his designate.

5. Pastoral Care for the Accused: The clergy/religious member who is accused will also be
accompanied with appropriate pastoral care.

6. Suspension or Limitation of Ministry: Depending upon the facts of each situation, the
Bishop may suspend or limit the ministry of a clergy member pending the final outcome.

7. Civil Proceedings: Should there be any civil inquiry or proceedings taking place (such as
an investigation by law enforcement), the Bishop may postpone any final decision
pending the outcome of the civil proceedings.

8. Recommendation of the RBPCYP: The Bishop relies on the work of the Review Board,
and its Fact-Finding Committees, while formulating his decisions about allegations. He
looks to the Review Board for consultation, advice and insight in handling allegations. He
can also seek the assistance of the Review Board to address all aspects of sexual abuse
of minors. The Review Board meets whenever necessary to direct and monitor factfinding and to examine and assess the facts of an allegation. When the facts have been
satisfactorily established and recommendations received regarding suitability for future
ministry, the RBPCYP will meet once again to review the case and make
recommendations to assist the Bishop in formulating a response to an allegation.
The Bishop is the final judge of credibility, substance and gravity of an allegation. The
Bishop alone determines what actions are to be taken in response to allegations.

9. Communication to the Media and the Public: Only the Bishop or his appointed delegate
is to issue statements to the media about allegation(s) of sexual abuse of a minor or
vulnerable adult, or about the related proceedings.

10. Action Phase: When there is sufficient evidence that sexual abuse of a minor or an
individual who habitually lacks the use of reason has occurred, the Congregation for the
Doctrine of the Faith (“CDF”) shall be notified. Even a single act of sexual abuse of a minor
or individual who habitually lacks the use of reason by a priest or deacon shall result in
permanent removal from ministry. The Bishop will inform those closest to the cleric’s
official assignment of his decision, including parishioners, but not the details of the
allegation.

Care will always be taken to protect the rights of all parties involved, particularly those of
the person claiming to have been sexually abused and the person against whom the charge
has been made. When an accusation has proved to be unfounded, every step possible will
be taken to restore the good name of the person accused.

The Diocese of Reno will respect the legitimate right to privacy and good name of all parties
throughout this process while also upholding the values of transparency, accountability and
responsibility to the community.

The purpose of this process is to ascertain the truth, repair any damage caused, restore the
legitimate standards of justice and to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults.