March 26, 2010
National audit includes statistics from Diocese of Evansville
In keeping with the spirit of transparency, Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger has requested that we share the statistics of the national audit from the Diocese of Evansville as it is public information. (Related: Audit - Fewer sex abuse reports, more safe environment training)
The bishop said he is particularly pleased and most grateful for the work of the Diocesan Review Board and the Victims’ Assist-ance Coordinator, and the cooperation of all of our priests, deacons, pastoral life coordinators, principals, directors of religious education, youth ministers, scout leaders and so many others committed to the protection of our young people and youth.
In calendar year 2009 (Jan. 1 through Dec. 31), the Diocese of Evansville reported the following information to the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA):
- Allegations: One new allegation, made against a now-deceased priest, from the 1980s.
- Settlements paid to victims: Zero
- Payments for therapy for victims: $20,826
- Payments for support of offenders: Zero
- Payments for attorneys’ fees: Zero
- Hotline: $592
- Percentage of above amounts covered by insurance: Zero
- Estimated amount paid for all child protection efforts, including training programs, background checks and the audit: $25,320
In regard to background checks and training programs, Judy Neff, diocesan chancellor, reports the following statistics:
- 11,635 adults have completed background checks and youth protection training in our diocese.
- Over 12,000 children and youth have received safe environment training.
“On behalf of the people of the diocese, I thank all of the youth protection coordinators at the parishes and schools for their diligence and hard work toward keeping our children safe,” said Neff. “We do this to protect the life and dignity of children, and their safety is of prime importance to the Catholic Church.”