Archdiocese Sex-abuse Response Policies Take Effect

Philadelphia Inquirer
November 1, 2012

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/20121101_Archdiocese_sex-abuse_response_policies_take_effect.html

New policies determining the way the Philadelphia Archdiocese responds to allegations of sexual abuse go into effect Thursday.

The church's standards of behavior were revised following the 2011 Philadelphia grand jury report that recommended an overhaul of procedures for helping victims and removing priests accused of molestation.

The new policies establish an Office of Investigations so that any complaints of abuse are immediately referred to law enforcement, the archdiocese reported. Every complaint will be recorded and each allegation "promptly reviewed to determine whether interim restrictions on ministry or employment should be imposed." To read the policies in full, visit www.archphila.org. -