NEW YORK
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York
ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK
INDEPENDENT RECONCILIATION AND COMPENSATION PROGRAM (“IRCP”)
COMPENSATION OF CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL CLAIMS OF CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (“FAQs”)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
OCTOBER 6, 2016
I. FAQs Pertaining to the Terms and Conditions of the Independent
Reconciliation and Compensation Program (“IRCP”) Protocol.
1. What Is The Independent Reconciliation And Compensation Program?
The Reconciliation and Compensation Program is an independent settlement program administered by Kenneth R. Feinberg, a highly regarded mediator. The goal of the Program is to resolve sexual abuse claims brought to the attention of the Archdiocese by individual claimants during past years which have not been resolved. The Administrators of the Program have complete autonomy to determine eligibility of individual claims and the amount of compensation for victims that come forward with a claim. The Program will be monitored and advised by an Independent Oversight Committee comprised of former Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, Judge Loretta Preska and Dr. Jeanette Cueva who will oversee implementation and administration of the IRCP. Commissioner Kelly serves as Chair of the Independent Oversight Committee. The Committee has no authority to modify or reject any individual claim determinations governing eligibility and compensation rendered by the Independent Administrators or to act as an appeal board for any claimant.
2. Who May File A Claim?
To be eligible to file a claim with the Program, the claimant must have previously notified the Archdiocese alleging sexual abuse of a minor by clergy of the Archdiocese. A claim may be made only against a priest or deacon of the Archdiocese of New York and no other diocese or religious order. You may also register for Phase II of the Program. See No. 9 below
3. Will Filing A Claim Cost Money?
No. There is no fee associated with filing a claim with the Program. You may, however, incur fees from professionals such as lawyers, should you choose to engage their services. The Program will not pay for or reimburse you for such fees. However, it will provide you a lawyer free of charge, if you so request, for the purpose of explaining to you the nature of the release an eligible individual claimant must sign in return for receiving Program compensation.
4. What Proof Will I Have To Submit To Receive Compensation From The Program?
In this initial phase, you must have previously notified the Archdiocese of an allegation of such abuse. In addition, you will be required to submit documentation to show evidence of the nature, frequency, location and time of the alleged sexual abuse.
5. What Happens After A Claim Is Filed?
Once your Claim Form and supporting documentation are received, the Administrators will process your claim promptly. You will receive written notice by mail or by email of the receipt of your claim. Claims are reviewed by the Administrators on a rolling basis. Upon completion of the review of your claim by the Administrators, you will either be notified of the determination of your claim, or notification of deficiencies in documentation and requests for additional documentation, if necessary.
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