The Diocese of Helena has established a procedure to conduct immediately the initial investigation of any allegation of sexual abuse received by the diocese. As stated in the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, “Dioceses will have mechanisms in place to respond promptly to any allegation … Dioceses will have a competent person or persons to coordinate assistance for the immediate pastoral care of persons who claim to have been sexually abused as minors by clergy or other church personnel.”
When an allegation is made known, an appropriate independent investigator is located and retained, and that person proceeds with the investigation. Results from that investigation are made known to the Bishop and others that he consults and who have ongoing responsibilities for the case.
Those responsible for locating and retaining an outside investigator:
William P. Driscoll
William Driscoll has been associated with the legal practice that has provided legal representation to the Diocese of Helena for over 50 years. Bill Driscoll, currently in his own legal firm, is the lawyer who handles legal affairs of the diocese.
Cassie Hall
Cassie Hall is the director of Safe Environment for the Diocese of Helena. She serves as the Diocesan Contact person for Safe Environment programs in the Diocese.
Gabe Brennan
As the Victim’s Advocate for the Diocese of Helena, Gabe Brennan coordinates assistance for the pastoral care of persons with claims of sexual abuse as minors by clergy or other church personnel.