The Monastic Council of Subiaco has committed to:

• Creating a safe environment for children and young people;
• Healing and reconciliation of victims and survivors;
• Making prompt and effective response to allegations;
• Cooperating with civil authorities;
• Disciplining offenders;
• Providing for means of accountability for the future to ensure the problem continues to be effectively dealt with free from concealment or cover-up.

STANDARDS

The Subiaco Office of Child Protection was founded by the Monastic Council to fulfill these five standards:

1. Prevention. Subiaco will enforce a policy of zero tolerance for child abuse, or abuse of any kind. For those seeking admission as a monk, applicants to Subiaco Abbey must undergo background checks, extensive psychological assessments, interviews with various monastery officials, and must submit positive recommendations from pastors, employers, and lay people. All participate in rigorous human, spiritual, academic and pastoral formation as they mature and embrace a life and lifestyle of celibacy and chastity, leadership and responsibility, service and accountability. Their readiness is thoroughly evaluated before they make their profession of vows. Furthermore, all those seeking employment with Subiaco that might have access to any minors must also undergo background checks and receive positive references.

2. Safe Environment Training. Subiaco will provide mandated safe environment training for monks and employees and define the responsibilities for making mandatory reports of suspected or alleged child abuse directly to appropriate authorities. Subiaco monks and employees will participate in the online abuse prevention training program sponsored by the Diocese of Little Rock. These courses include specific learning objectives, interactivity, and a content mastery quiz. Furthermore, students will also participate in age-appropriate safe environment training as mandated by the Diocese of Little Rock. These protocols will be evaluated by our General Counsel and by Praesidium, an outside accrediting agency that specializes in identifying the root causes of child abuse, and in providing the best practices to help organizations create a safe environment for minors.
    
3. Transparency. As recent news has shown, cover-up of abuse has been shown to be present in both the public sector and private sector, as well as in church institutions of all faiths and denominations. The archives of Subiaco will be reviewed for any instances of prior child abuse and we will provide a public list of monks of Subiaco that have established allegations.
    
4. Accountability. Subiaco will form a Review Board, which is composed of monks and lay men and woman. The Review Board functions as a confidential consultative body, under the aegis of the Abbey’s chosen civil legal counsel for purposes of consultation with the Abbey, advising the Abbot in making decisions regarding assessment of credible allegations, as well as appropriate treatment, placement, and work of monks against whom a credible allegation of sexual abuse of a minor has been made. In fulfilling its mission to provide him with advice and counsel, the Review Board provides to the Abbot consultation regarding: whether an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor that is brought against a monk of the Abbey is established; the disposition of any case where an allegation of sexual abuse against a monk cannot be investigated or established; the reporting of allegations to civil authorities, when appropriate, if the reporting of the allegation is not required by law; the action to be taken when a monk has repeatedly violated the boundaries of a minor, including but not limited to when a minor is known to be in danger as a result of such a violation; the kinds of work and other activities that are suitable for a monk with an established allegation of sexual abuse of a minor (Safety Plan); and, review any policies and procedures established by the Abbey regarding the prevention of or the response to the sexual abuse of minors. The Monastic Council oversees the Office of Child Protection to ensure the effective implementation of a safe environment program, ensures the ongoing accreditation by Praesidium, and certifies compliance with all policies, procedures, and protocols affecting the protection of minors. Furthermore, a trained Victim Assistance Coordinator will be made available to proactively reach-out to victims and survivors. This may include counseling, spiritual assistance, and referrals to support groups. As appropriate and if requested, the Victim Assistance Coordinator will assist the victim in obtaining outpatient counseling, recommend licensed and qualified providers, and facilitate spiritual and mental health support.

5. Discipline. Monks and employees acknowledge and accept that any violation of Subiaco’s policies on child protection, depending on the scope of the violation, could result in a letter of correction, mandatory counseling, dismissal from the monastery, or termination of employment. The Office of Child Protection will monitor for strict compliance with this standard.