Bishops' office doing studies on review boards, aid to victims

Published: 2004-04-05

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Kathleen L. McChesney, executive director of the U.S. bishops' national Office of Child and Youth Protection, said her office is undertaking several studies to help bishops and dioceses deal with the clergy sex abuse crisis. This includes a study on models and best-practice standards for diocesan review boards, she told Catholic News Service April 1. She said the study is expected to be finished in June. The main function of a diocesan review board is to advise the local bishop regarding allegations of child sex abuse made against clergy and on actions to be taken against priests facing credible accusations. The board also reviews diocesan policies to prevent child sex abuse and offers suggestions for updating these policies. Other studies being done include: how victims can be treated more pastorally by the church after they come forward with an accusation; and how to better prevent child sex abuse and how to better prepare bishops to handle such situations, with victims' input.

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