Conduct Policy

Sexual Misconduct and Abuse Prevention, Protection and Advocacy

To promote a Passionist ministerial environment marked by professional integrity and 'resplendency in action' in the spirit of Christ Jesus and of St. Paul of the Cross who calls his brothers to 'be resplendent in all your actions'. To fulfill this charge:

The Director is the primary clinical and process consultant to the Provincial, Members and Agents of the Province as regards incidences and/or issues related to sexual misconduct. He assists persons in making a report of sexual abuse and obtaining resources intended to bring circumstances of sexual misconduct to a just, thorough and compassionate resolution. The Director ensures that caring help is available to those who have experienced or been affected by sexual abuse by a Member or Agent of the Province.

All reports of sexual abuse of minors or vulnerable adults are forwarded to civil authorities. Parallel to action by civil authorities, the Director facilitates Provincial processes stipulating independent investigation and review by the External Review Board, so that all Members with substantiated allegations of sexual abuse are permanently removed from ministry, in compliance with Province policy and with the USCCB’s Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. In similar fashion, the Director further ensures that Province policies and procedures are followed in any instances of breach of ministerial relationship (e.g., violations by a Member of physical, emotional or behavioral boundaries) regardless of the age of the victim.

The External Review Board is composed of lay professionals with direct or associated experience and expertise regarding sexual misconduct, abuse or exploitation. Members may represent various professions such as mental health, members of law enforcement, legal and judicial professionals, primary/secondary school professionals, parents of minors, and/or social service professionals. The Board meets at least annually and is a critical component in the efforts of the Province to create a Passionist environment characterized by integrity, professionalism and compassion.

The Director provides consultation, education and resource guidance to Members and Agents of the Province in specific situations about how to report all instances of suspected abuse of children and vulnerable adults and/or breach of ministerial relationship.

How to obtain a copy of the Current List of Members with Validated Accusations

The Province of St. Paul of the Cross has worked in collaboration with Aon Property Consulting and Forensic Analysis, Inc. to conduct a thorough, independent forensic audit of all the Province personnel files dating back 70 years. This list is continually updated if warranted by further validation of allegations against a Passionist priest or brother. 

Anyone wishing to receive the current, list of validated accusations, please contact Mr. Daniel Flynn, LCSW, CCTP, Province Director of Health and Social Services – Safe Environment Office at [email protected] and/or the Provincial offices at 929-419-7500, x3. Mr. Flynn is also available to provide any further clarification that might be needed in this regard.


Reporting Sexual Abuse

If you or someone you know was abused as a minor by church personnel and is now an adult, the Director is available to obtain support and make a formal complaint of abuse to the Provincial and civil authorities as applicable. The Director can be reached at (929) 419-7500 #3. Formal report in such instances may also be made directly to civil authorities.

If the abused person is currently under 18 years of age (minor) or a vulnerable adult please report this directly to the civil authorities. The Mandatory Reporting requirements vary by state and may be reviewed by going to the 'Child Welfare Information Gateway' at https://www.childwelfare.gov.


Where to Get More Information

The National Children’s Advocacy Center www.nationalcac.org is a valuable resource that ‘models, promotes, and delivers excellence in child abuse response and prevention through service, education, and leadership’. In situations of abuse of men or boys the site www.Malesurvivor.org is a helpful web-based resource. An organization committed to ‘overcoming sexual victimization of boys and men’ through support, treatment, research, education, advocacy, and activism.


Contact Us

To obtain Prevention, Protection and Advocacy support please contact:

Daniel S. Flynn, LCSW, CCTP
Director of Health, Social Services and Safety Environment
The Passionist Provincial Office - St. Paul of the Cross Province
86-45 Edgerton Blvd
Jamaica, NY 11432
(929) 419-7500 option #3 
[email protected]

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse by a representative of the Passionists you are asked to contact the Provincial at the following address:

The Passionist Provincial Office - St. Paul of the Cross Province
86-45 Edgerton Blvd
Jamaica, NY 11432
(929) 419-7500
 

Resources

Prevention, Protection and Advocacy Resource Information