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The Diocesan Sexual Misconduct Review Board

The following appointments were announced for the Diocese of Albany by Bishop Hubbard on December 3, 2002 relative to the policies agreed upon by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Vatican in November of this year:  

Assistance Coordinator - Theresa F. Rodrigues of Delmar - A highly experienced psychiatric social worker.   

Investigator - Thomas Martin of Voorheesville, a retired senior investigator with New York State Police. Bureau of Criminal Investigation.  

The diocese review board, which will function as a confidential consultative body to the bishop in discharging his responsibilities, now consists of the following members:  

Hon. Jaclyn A. Brilling

Rev. Geoffrey Burke, pastor of Our Lady of Assumption in Latham

Kevin P. Glasheen, a practicing attorney

Margaret Griffin, RN, a nurse practitioner

Kathryn Martin, CSW, a certified social worker

Rev. Michael A. Farano, pastor of St. Pius in Loudonville and former chancellor of the diocese

Christopher P. Rutnik, Esq., a defense attorney in private practice and former Albany County Assistant District Attorney

Among the review board members are parents and grandparents in accordance with the policies established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.  

The review board will advise the bishop in his assessment of allegations of sexual abuse of minors; review diocesan policies for dealing with sexual abuse of minors; and offer advice on all aspects of these cases, whether retrospectively or prospectively.  

The Albany Diocese is currently following the policies and procedures contained in the Norms adopted in Washington on November 13, 2002 after consultation with Vatican officials and in the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People revised on November 13, 2002 to conform to those norms.  

The Charter and Norms will be further spelled out on the web site in practices specific to the Albany Diocese when the Norms have been formally approved by the Vatican .

NOTE:  Anyone wishing to report a complaint of clergy sexual misconduct in the Albany Diocese is asked to contact: 
Theresa E. Rodrigues, Assistance Coordinator at 518-453-6646.