PENNSYLVANIA
Associated Press
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Latest on reforms aimed at curbing child-sex abuse at a central Pennsylvania Catholic diocese (all times local):
1:45 p.m.
Western Pennsylvania’s top federal prosecutor and the Catholic bishop over a diocese where two former bishops allegedly helped cover up child-sex abuse have announced reforms to curb such abuse.
They include creation of an oversight board to ensure the reforms are implemented and the diocese has hired an expert to develop a new child abuse prevention program. Under the new plan, the diocese has just 12 hours to report credible abuse allegations to police.
The diocese also will pay for counseling experts to be chosen by victims who need it.
Acting U.S. Attorney Soo Song and Altoona-Johnstown Bishop Mark Bartchak announced the reforms Monday.
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