California Dioceses Release Compensation Program Updates

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the Dioceses of Fresno, Orange, Sacramento, San Bernardino and San Diego announced the establishment of a joint Independent Compensation Program for “Victim–Survivors of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests” (the “Program”). The announcement was made on May 14, 2019 and included the appointment of Kenneth R. Feinberg and Camille Biros as Administrators for the Program. Both are experienced with the creation and administration of compensation programs for survivors of clergy childhood sexual abuse.

The Program is intended to operate separately from the Archdiocese and Dioceses. According to preliminary information, “[t]he 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 administer claims of child sexual abuse committed by priests of any of the Archdiocese and Dioceses. It will not include claims of child sexual abuse against members of religious orders, clergy of any other archdiocese or dioceses, deacons or lay persons.

The Program is expected to begin later in 2019 — most likely in September. Those who have not previously reported their childhood sexual abuse will be required to register with the Program. In addition, once registered, a claimant will be required to report the claim of abuse in writing to the appropriate law enforcement agency (with a copy provided to the Administrators).

Clergy Abuse Compensation Programs as an Option for You

Clergy Abuse Compensation Programs administered by Kenneth Feinberg and Camille Biros have been adopted in many Dioceses throughout the United States. The Programs are designed with safeguards for the survivors of childhood sexual abuse, shielding their identities and eliminating the stress and anxiety that so often accompany litigation. While these Programs are not for everyone, they do offer an opportunity to present a claim for clergy childhood sexual abuse through an administrative process that is independent of the Dioceses. The process usually involves two steps: (1) Registration of the Claim; and (2) Preparation and Filing of the Claim.

Registration

Registration is an important first step in the Claims process. It has important implications — especially as to the actual filing and consideration of your claim by the Administrators

Preparation and Filing of a Claim

Once registered with the program, a claimant can then file his/her claim with the program Administrators. Though the process is streamlined, presenting a comprehensive, concise and thorough claim provides the optimum opportunity for a favorable determination of the claim. We review each claim on its own merits and prepare the claim accordingly. We are experienced in preparing and filing successful claims in the compensation programs.