7.1 Nature and Scope of the Review Board The Archdiocese will maintain a Review Board that will function as a confidential, consultative advisory body to the Archbishop in discharging his responsibilities with regard to allegations of Sexual Misconduct involving Minors or Vulnerable Adults directed against Personnel of the Archdiocese. The functions of this Review Board include: (a) advising the Archbishop in his assessment of allegations of sexual abuse of Minors and/or Vulnerable Adults and in his determination of suitability for ministry; (b) reviewing Archdiocesan policies for dealing with sexual abuse of Minors and Vulnerable Adults; and (c) offering advice on all aspects of these cases, whether retrospectively or prospectively.
The Review Board will be appointed by the Archbishop. It will be composed of persons of outstanding integrity and good judgment in full communion with the Church, and will consist of at least five persons. The majority of the Review Board members will be laypersons who are not in the employ of the Archdiocese. At least one member will be a priest who is an experienced and respected pastor of the Archdiocese. At least one member should have expertise in dealing with Minors who have been sexually abused. The members will be appointed for a term of five years, which may be renewed. If not a member of the Review Board, the Promoter of Justice will be given notice of all meetings and encouraged to and may participate in the meetings of the Review Board.
Present members include: a former attorney who worked in the Superior Court for Juvenile Matters, having represented children victimized by sexual assault in Superior Court; a religious Sister with extensive ministry, educational and professional experience; a board-certified psychiatrist who remains in private practice, a priest of the Archdiocese who is Pastor of a large parish with a school, and a medical a doctor in private practice of Family Medicine; along with an ex-officio member: Moderator of the Curia. It is desirable that the Promoter of Justice participate in the meetings and that the Legal Counsel and Victim Assistance Coordinator attend.
7.3 Recommendations by the Review Board Following the Review Board’s consideration of the results of the investigation of a report of Sexual Misconduct involving a Minor or Vulnerable Adult by Personnel of the Archdiocese, it shall make whatever reasonable and prudent recommendations it deems just and appropriate to the Archbishop including, but not limited to, whether the allegations are or are not supported by sufficient evidence to warrant action against the alleged perpetrator; and if the allegations are supported by sufficient evidence to warrant action, what action should be taken in accordance with Ecclesiastical or civil law.
- Is the Archdiocesan Review Board appointed by the Archbishop?
- Yes, members of the Review Board are appointed by the Archbishop
- Has the Archbishop ever declined to follow the recommendation of the Review Board?
- No