8.6 Investigation Procedure The Archbishop will promptly refer any report of alleged Sexual Misconduct involving a Minor or Vulnerable Adult by Personnel of the Archdiocese to the Archdiocesan Response Team which will then commence an investigation of the allegations with care taken not to interfere with any confidential or civil/criminal investigation on the part of civil authorities and with a high level of Christian care, concern and confidentiality for the alleged victim, the family of the alleged victim, the person reporting the incident and the alleged perpetrator. Unless circumstances warrant in a particular instance, the investigation ordinarily will be conducted in accordance with the following guidelines:
(a) Promptly after receiving a report of alleged Sexual Misconduct involving a Minor or Vulnerable Adult, a member of the Archdiocesan Response Team will encourage the alleged victim to submit a written description of the alleged incident(s).
(b) The Archdiocesan Response Team will attempt to identify and contact any other persons, in addition to the alleged victim, who may have relevant knowledge about the allegation.
(c) In connection with a current allegation, after giving the State Department of Children and Families a reasonable opportunity to investigate the allegation, a member of the Archdiocesan Response Team will promptly notify the accused person about the substance of the allegations. In connection with an allegation of Sexual Misconduct from the past (not recent or ongoing misconduct), a member of the Archdiocesan Response Team will promptly notify the accused person of the substance of the allegations. After the accused is given an opportunity to retain counsel, the accused person’s response to the allegations will be sought.
(d) All appropriate steps will be taken to protect the reputation of the alleged perpetrator during the investigation.
(e) The Archdiocesan Response Team will immediately notify the Archbishop of any information developed in the course of the investigation that, in its judgment, warrants immediate attention. In all events, the results of the Archdiocesan Response Team’s investigation will be conveyed to the Archbishop and to the Review Board of the Archdiocese.