Trial-and-error process helps refine diocesan review boards

Published: 2004-08-09

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- As programs to prevent clergy sex abuse of minors take root in dioceses across the United States, they are being strengthened by their own experiences in tackling the issue. "It's the trial-and-error process," said Judge Michael Talbot of the Michigan Court of Appeals. Talbot is chairman of the Detroit archdiocesan review board, which investigates cases of clergy sex abuse and recommends actions to Detroit Cardinal Adam J. Maida. Since 2002, when the bishops approved their prevention policies contained in the "Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People," review boards are among the mandatory programs for all dioceses. "We have no model to work with," said Talbot. Even dioceses that already had formed a similar board years before had to modify them to conform to charter provisions. Now, with two years of experience, review boards are beginning to look at their practices, exchange information and evaluate the way they work. Talbot was one of about 20 members of review boards from around the country who attended a Washington meeting organized this spring by the bishops' Office of Child and Youth Protection. The goal was to learn from the example of others and find some consistency, said Talbot. "We are at a maturity we didn't have before."

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