A gesture of good faith: NYC dioceses abuse-compensation fund

New York Daily News
June 25, 2017

http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/gesture-good-faith-nyc-dioceses-abuse-compensation-fund-article-1.3273302

Funds and gains

Another legislative session has passed, marred by another total failure to fix New York’s unconscionably short statute of limitations for victims of child sexual abuse.

But there’s a bright spot in this sordid story: a second private institution has stepped up to make things right for those victimized.

The Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn (which includes Queens) will follow in the footsteps of the New York Archdiocese in developing a compensation program to settle claims with those violated by clergy as children.

To execute the Brooklyn version of the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio is even using the same mediator — Ken Feinberg, best known for his oversight of the 9/11 victims fund.

Under Feinberg and his colleague Camille Biros, the New York Archdiocese’s fund has proven remarkably successful. Of 140 offers made in the first phase of settlements — reserved for victims who had already lodged complaints against the church — 125 have so far been accepted.

So-called Phase II victims — including more recent cases that may involve still-active priests — have until Nov. 1 to file claim.

In Brooklyn, 280 letters were mailed this week to victims who’ve already alleged abuse. Those individuals have until Sept. 30 to respond.

This can work. Given what seems to be both a moral and pragmatic approach to heal deep wounds, more institutions ought to follow suit.