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Diocesan Review Board
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Following the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the Diocese has established a Review Board, a confidential, consultative body whose primary purpose is to assist the Diocesan Bishop in determining a cleric’s suitability for ministry when an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor, young person, or vulnerable adult is received.The Review Board does not investigate the credibility of an allegation when the accused priest or religious is deceased, as no action can be taken regarding that cleric’s suitability for continued ministry.The Review Board is convened following notification to the appropriate civil authority and after the Diocese is advised that civil authorities will take no further action.
DIOCESAN REVIEW BOARD MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
- The Board shall consist of at least five individuals of exceptional integrity and sound judgment, all in full communion with the Church.
- A majority of the members must be laypersons who the Diocese does not employ.
- At least one member should be an experienced and respected pastor within the Diocese.
- At least one member must have specialized expertise in the treatment of sexual abuse of minors.
- The Diocesan Bishop appoints members in writing for a five-year term, which may be renewed for an additional five years.
- The Board will meet at least once annually, or more frequently as needed.
DIOCESAN REVIEW BOARD FUNCTIONS
- The Board is responsible for evaluating allegations of sexual abuse involving minors, young people, and vulnerable adults by priests and deacons under the authority of the Diocese. The Board advises the Diocesan Bishop on the credibility of allegations. It assesses whether an allegation meets the definition of sexual abuse as outlined in the Diocesan Child and Youth Protection Policy.
- The Board also counsels the Diocesan Bishop on a cleric’s suitability for ministry on a case-by-case basis.
- In every case involving an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by a priest or deacon in active ministry, the Diocesan Review Board will:
- Assess whether the allegation is credible and falls within the definition of sexual abuse as outlined in the Diocesan Child and Youth Protection Policy. If so, the Review Board will recommend to the Bishop whether the individual suspected of abuse should be removed from or continue on leave from any ecclesiastical ministry or function.
- Determine whether the allegation is not credible or does not meet the definition of sexual abuse as defined in the Diocesan Child and Youth Protection Policy. If the Review Board has concerns despite this conclusion, the Diocesan Bishop will determine the appropriate course of action and the accused's disposition,
The Diocesan Review Board’s deliberations are confidential, and no detailed minutes will be recorded or maintained.The Diocesan Bishop will forward credible allegations to the appropriate office of the Holy See, which may refer the case to a church tribunal or retain it for further action to determine the accused's future. Clergy with a credible allegation of sexual abuse of a minor will be placed on the List of Clergy with Credible Allegations.
Diocesan Review Board Criteria and Definitions for Assessing Sexual Abuse Allegations
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Links
- Victim Assistance
- How to Report an Alleged Incident
- How to Respond to a Disclosure
- How to Report Concerning, Suspicious or Unethical Behavior
- Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service (CBAR)
- Civil Reporting Requirement
- Pastoral Care
- Compliance Officer
- Memorandum of Understanding
- IRCP
- List of Clergy with Credible Allegation of Sexual Abuse of a Minor
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DIocesan Review Board MembersClick on the member's name below to view their biography.
Robert B. Murrett, Chairperson
Dc. Mark J. Berube
Valerie A. Brogan
Catherine Diana, LCSW
Annine Massaro
Julie K. Netzband
Rev. Richard P. Prior, Jr.
Allison Spaulding, LCSW
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