From the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People

"To assist diocesan bishops, each diocese will also have a review board which will function as a confidential consultative body to the bishop in discharging his responsibilities." (Charter Norms, No. 4)

Functions of the Board

• Notified of all abuse allegations. 

• Advising the diocesan bishop in his assessment of allegations of sexual abuse of minors and in his determination of suitability for ministry;

• Reviewing diocesan policies for dealing with sexual abuse of minors; and

• Offering advice on all aspects of these cases, whether retrospectively or prospectively (Charter Norms, No. 4)

Composition

The review board, established by the diocesan bishop, will be composed of at least five persons of outstanding integrity and good judgment in full communion with the Church. The majority of the review board members will be lay persons who are not in the employ of the diocese; but at least one member should be a priest who is an experienced and respected pastor of the diocese in question, and at least one member should have particular expertise in the treatment of the sexual abuse of minors. (Charter Norms, No. 5)

Board Members

Jon Allen, Chairman - Business Consultant

Joseph Bernier, Ph.D.- Clinical Psychologist

Joyce DeWitt-Parker, Ph.D.- Licensed Psychologist

Elizabeth Garvey - Attorney

Frank Patience- Former administrator with the State of New York

Henri Williams- Former director within the Office of Addiction Services for the State of New York

Deacon Stephen Lape - Chaplain

Christopher Roberts