How the church screens child predators

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Archdioces in Oregon perform background checks on priests, just like many employers do, but it isn’t enough to keep predators out of the system.

Friday, Scappoose, Ore. priest Michael Patrick appeared in court on charges related to an incident where he allegedly tried to lure a teenage girl into his car April 12 and last week, former Corvallis priest Stanley Brittain was arrested on child abuse and child pornography charges.

Priests are run through background checks, but if they have not previously offended, they are cleared.

Portland Catholic Archdiocese Director of Child and Victim Assistance Cathy Shannon said the church is trying to be more vigilant in screening people who could pose a threat to parishioners.

“[We perform] criminal background check on all employees, all volunteers who work with minors,and all of our clergy.”

Prospective priests are run through the sex-offender registry and must pass an in-depth interview process.

However, there are no psychiatric tests run, except for those entering the seminary.

Still, the challenge remains.

Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers  Execuitive Director Maia Christopher said attempts to profile sexual abusers before they attack is difficult because motivations and causes for abusive behavior vary.

Patrick attended seminary in Sri Lanka, and was ordained in 1983 — stringency and screening has tightened significantly since then.

He was released Friday on supervised release.