Thank you. I like section 8.1. I think it needs to be emphasized.
My thoughts. The church should try to find a way that there can be a second adult in physical proximity when confidentiality is required. Perhaps not within normal earshot, but with a known presence and availability. This not only protects the child, but the clergy as well.
My final thought - I won’t let my children be alone and completely isolated with a priest for any significant period of time.
That's even true for counseling situations --- he will put a sign on his open door saying "counseling in session" to prevent people walking in (breaches of confidentiality).
With reference to sacramental Confession, he will generally only hear confessions in the confessional at the regularly posted twice-weekly times, which would normally mean that there are other people around, either waiting in line or kneeling nearby doing their post-Confession prayers. The exceptions would be when he is hearing the confession of a sick person in a nursing home or hospital or wherever.
This is pretty tough on priests. One priest friend told me was told in seminary that "If you touch or are touched by a student, you WILL be in trouble with the Bishop." And yet every time he goes over to the school, there are kids that run up and grab his hands. I've seen him ganged-up-on by huggy kids. The teachers have told hem not to do that, but what's he gonna do?
But you're right: strict limits protect not only the children, but the clergy as well. I have seen false allegations that nearly ruined a priest who turned out to be 100% innocent. The mere accusation can focus long-term suspicion -- or worse --- on an innocent man.
My final thought - I won’t let my children be alone and completely isolated with a priest for any significant period of time.
...ah, the smell of bigotry on the internet...gotta love it...