PENNSYLVANIA
WESA
By VIRGINIA ALVINO YOUNG
The Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown has agreed to take more steps to protect children from sexual abuse.
Outlined Monday with Acting U.S. Attorney Soo Song, the Memorandum of Understanding comes after a former priest of the diocese was convicted last year of sexually exploiting several boys. A grand jury report detailed more systemic abuse and cover-ups.
Song said the diocese agreed to a comprehensive plan with specific requirements, including “very tight time frames” for suspected abuse.
“So all allegations of good faith suspicion of child sexual abuse (will be) reported to law enforcement in 12 hours,” she said. “Immediately removing suspected offenders from contact with children (and) putting clergy on leave within 24 hours following a credible allegation of child sexual abuse.”
The diocese will also implement an independent oversight board, develop new sexual abuse policies and fund a 24-hour hotline service to receive complaints of assault.
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