April 12, 2023

Editor’s Note: April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. With that in mind, the North Country Catholic offers this introduction to the diocesan Review Board.

WHY DO WE HAVE A REVIEW BOARD? IS IT REQUIRED?
The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (the “Charter”). was published by the Catholic Bishops of the United States in 2002 as a set of comprehensive procedures to address allegations of sexual abuse of minors by church personnel. The requirement for a Diocesan Review Board is outlined in Article 2 of the Charter which specifically requires that “dioceses/eparchies are to have a review board that functions as a confidential consultative body to the bishop/eparch The majority of its members are to be lay persons not in the employ of the diocese/eparchy.”

WHAT DOES THIS REVIEW BOARD DO?
The review board assesses all allegations of sexual abuse of minors by priests, deacons and other church personnel to advise the diocesan bishop of their credibility. The Review Board may assess both past and present allegations, as well as a cleric’s fitness for ministry. Additionally, the Review Board reviews the diocesan Child & Youth Protection Policy and procedures every five years, recommending modifications if appropriate.

The Child & Youth Protection Policy was last updated in 2020. The next update will likely occur shortly after the Charter is revised. The Charter underwent revisions in 2011 and 2018.

WHO SERVES ON THE REVIEW BOARD?
The Review Board is comprised of at least 12 people, a majority of whom are laypersons not employed by the Diocese. At least one member must be an individual with expertise in the treatment of the sexual abuse of minors. The diocesan Vicar for Clergy and Promoter of Justice are both members, along with at least one other diocesan priest. Current members of the Review Board include board Chairperson Mark House, MA, psychologist; Lisa Breitenbach, M.D., psychiatrist; Father Douglas G. Comstock, priest of the diocese; Mary Harper, public school teacher; Lawrence Kring, M.D., primary care physician; The Honorable Robert G. Main, Jr., retired Franklin County judge; The Honorable Patrick McGill, retired Clinton county Court judge; Amy Mitchell, Catholic school teacher/administrator; Robert Mullin, business owner; Michael R. Neaton, school resource officer, retired New York State Police; Sheila Peo, academic counselor; and Katherine Wears, associate dean of the Clarkson University School of Business; as well as ex-officio member Father Christopher C. Carrara, vicar for clergy (non-voting).

HOW OFTEN IS THE REVIEW BOARD CONVENED?
The Review Board meets at least once a year and when an investigation into an allegation of abuse is needed.

WHEN DOES THE REVIEW BOARD GET INVOLVED IN AN ALLEGATION?
The Review Board investigates an allegation of abuse only after civil authorities have been notified and completed any related investigation and after a preliminary investigation.

WHAT IS THE REVIEW BOARD’S ROLE IN AN INVESTIGATION?
Should an allegation of abuse be a matter of civil or criminal action in the courts or under investigation by law enforcement officials, the Diocese of Ogdensburg will cooperate fully with these legal proceedings. The bishop, in consultation with the diocesan Review Board, will judge whether the accused be placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the civil or criminal action. The diocese and/or Review Board will not conduct any investigation at the same time a civil or criminal investigation or proceeding is pending. Upon conclusion of the civil or criminal action, the diocese and/or Review Board will conduct its investigation and follow-up on the allegations pursuant to its policies.

IS THE REVIEW BOARD’S RECOMMENDATION BINDING?
Since the establishment of the Review Board, all bishops of the Diocese of Ogdensburg have followed its recommendations.

WHAT’S THE REVIEW BOARD’S ROLE IN HELPING VICTIMS FIND HEALING?
The Review Board supports every person who has been the victim of sexual abuse as a minor by anyone acting in the name of the Church by working to promote justice through fair and thorough investigations. In addition to the Review Board’s efforts, whether the abuse was recent or occurred many years ago, the diocese will provide a competent Victim Assistance Coordinator to aid in the immediate pastoral care of persons who claim to have been sexually abused as minors. The diocese’s outreach shall include the provision of counseling, spiritual assistance, and other social services.