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Every (Arch)diocese in the United States was mandated by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops' Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People to establish a Review Board. In Article 2 of the Charter it states: "Dioceses/eparchies are also 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. This board is to advise the diocesan/eparchial bishop in his assessment of allegation of sexual abuse of minors and in his determination of a cleric's suitability for ministry. It is regularly to review diocesan/eparchial policies and procedures for dealing with sexual abuse of minors. Also, the board can review these matters both retrospectively and prospectively and give advice on all aspects of responses in connection with these cases."
In summary, the role of the Review Board is:- to advise the Archbishop in his assessment of allegations of sexual abuse of minors by priests or deacons;
- to advise the Archbishop in his determination of suitability for ministry of priests or deacons accused of sexual abuse of minors;
- to review Archdiocesan policies on sexual abuse of minors;
- to advise the Archbishop, as requested, on all aspects of these cases, whether retrospectively or prospectively.
The role of the review board is not investigatory; rather it evaluates evidence presented by the investigator and offers advice to the Archbishop. -
Composition of the Review BoardIt is specifically mandated by the Charter that the majority of members be lay people not in the employee of the Archdiocese. It is recommended that review board members include representation from professions such as: law enforcement, judiciary, health care providers, mental health practitioners, attorneys, sex abuse prevention counelors, etc.
Current Members of the Review BoardDr. William Shaw, Pyschologist (Chairman)
Mrs. Diane Clay, Retired Communications Director
Mr. Luis Soto, Senior Director Department of Evangelization and Discipleship
Mrs. Judy Fite, Registered Nurse
Mrs. Kathy Payne, Retired Director, Health Promotion and Education Program, State of OK
Father Rick Stansberry, Canon Lawyer
Laura Cain, Principal
Annette Jacobi, J.D. Executive Director of Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth
Ex-Officio Members:
Father William Novak, Vicar General
Mr. Michael Scaperlanda, Chancellor
Mrs. Jennifer Goodrich, Victim Assistance Coordinator
Mrs. Page Hauser, Safe Environment Coordinator