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	Details of Settlement in Clergy Sex Abuse Case Providence Journal [Boston MA] Downloaded September 10, 2003 Highlights of the $85 million settlement reached Tuesday in the clergy sex abuse cases. - $85 million will be set aside for the pool of 552 victims. - Victims have 37 days to opt in to the settlement. Their cases will then go to arbitration, where the amount of each individual's award will be decided by a mediator based on type and duration of abuse, and injury suffered as a result of abuse. - Victims will receive no less than $80,000 and no more than $300,000. People who sued for "loss of consortium" because their children were abused will receive a flat $20,000. - The total settlement pool will be reduced proportionately based on the percentage of victims who decide not to participate. For example, if 10 percent of victims opt out of the settlement, the total settlement amount will be reduced by 10 percent. - The archdiocese agrees to pay for therapy for victims indefinitely. - The archdiocese agrees to add at least one additional victim to two church boards reviewing complaints against priests and implementing the archdiocese's sexual abuse policy. - A third advisory board will be comprised largely of victims and their relatives. The board will consider the establishment of a resource library and a memorial, living tribute or remembrance to honor victims of clergy sexual abuse. - The archdiocese's Office for Assistance and Healing Ministry will expand its services to include interdenominational counseling and to keep its treatment records confidential. - The settlement money must be paid by Dec. 22. - The individual settlement awards will be final and non-appealable.
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