WHAT HAPPENS AT INTAKE?

• At intake and only at intake, the matter complained of is assumed to be true for purposes of the three-part test we mentioned earlier

• Complaints can be made in any form, by anyone, and can be anonymous. (Don’t let the diocese tell you otherwise!)

• The intake officer is supposed to listen with care and respect

• He or she then prepares an intake report describing the allegations

• He or she DOES not conduct an investigation, except to understand the matter complained of. Be wary of this — many intake officers will overstep their canonical role

• Many times, intake officers will provide you a copy of the intake report. It makes sense to ask if you can get a copy. If the answer is yes, you may be able to help clarify gaps or unclear information. If the answer is no, there’s no harm to you. So ask!