NEW YORK
Queens Chronicle
by Anthony O’Reilly / Associate Editor
The Diocese of Brooklyn on Thursday announced a program to compensate survivors of sexual abuse committed by clergy members.
“I am well aware that no amount of money will ever heal the scars of abuse, but this compensation program is a concrete expression of our contrition and our desire to make amends,” Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, head of the diocese, said in a statement.
The program, called The Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program, will be administered by attorneys Kenneth Feinberg and Camille Biros — both of whom have years of experience in overseeing settlements, the former with the Department of Justice.
Both will have “total independence in determining compensation for survivors,” according to the diocese.
An Independent Oversight Committee has also been established — made up of retired NYPD First Deputy Commissioner Joseph Dunne, retired state Supreme Court Justice Joseph Golia and American Psychiatric Association Queens Chapter President Dr. Barbara Ponieman — the panel will review the program’s protocols and oversee its implantation but cannot overturn decisions made by Feinberg and Birosm, the diocese said.
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