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Diocesan Review Board

Diocesan Review Board

The Diocese of St. Augustine has an independent Review Board that functions as a confidential consultative body established by the Bishop to review allegations of sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable adults.

The Review Board is comprised of lay men and women, not employed by the diocese, with expertise in civil and canon law, criminal investigation, psychology, medicine, and victim advocacy. The Bishop appoints the members for a term of three (3) years, which can be renewed. Members of the Board are kept confidential to keep them free from undue pressure and outside influences.

The Review Board assists the Bishop in assessing allegations and fitness for ministry and will meet at least quarterly or more as needed. The Board reviews diocesan policies and procedures for dealing with the sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable adults.

It is important to note that the Review Board does not investigate allegations of sexual abuse. Allegations are reported to law enforcement or the Department of Children and Families who subsequently investigates the claims.

In 1989, Bishop John J. Snyder established a Response Team to review allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. This committee was renamed the Review Board in 2003 after the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People was promulgated in 2002 by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.