America's Largest Catholic Newspaper
What is the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program?
The Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (IRCP) is an independent compensation fund administered by Kenneth R. Feinberg, a highly regarded mediator, and his colleague, Camille Biros. The goal of the fund is to help bring closure to victims of sexual abuse by members of the clergy of the archdiocese. The administrators of the fund have complete autonomy to determine compensation for victims who come forward with a claim.
How will the archdiocese fund the IRCP?
The Archdiocese of New York does not have cash reserves to fund the IRCP. The program will be financed through a loan. It will not use money donated to parishes, schools or charitable organizations, nor will it use money given to the annual Cardinal’s Stewardship Appeal, the new capital campaign Renew and Rebuild, or money given by donors to fund specific programs, apostolates or ministries.
How will compensation be determined?
The IRCP will be administered by Mr. Feinberg and Ms. Biros who have final decision-making authority on the issuance and amount of compensation. The compensation will be just and fair, based on the experience and judgment of Mr. Feinberg and Ms. Biros, and, it is hoped, will allow the victim-survivors to find healing and closure.
How much money is the archdiocese earmarking for the fund?
The archdiocese will fully cover compensation awarded by the IRCP at whatever amount that is determined to be.
When will victims receive payment?
The IRCP has already begun to reach out to those who have come forward in the past. They expect to spend about four months reviewing those cases. New applicants can also come forward during this time and register. Anyone bringing forward a new allegation will be required to follow the policy of the archdiocese to notify the appropriate district attorney’s office, so that it might determine if a crime has been committed, and referred to the archdiocese as well, so that the individual’s allegation can be investigated by an independent professional firm and examined by the archdiocesan lay review board.
How do I apply?
For information about applying for the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program visit www.NYArchdiocese-IRCPSettlementProgram.com.
How long will victims be able to apply for compensation?
The deadline for the initial phase is January 31, 2017.
Do victims waive their right to legal action if they accept money from the compensation fund?
Yes. The goal of the fund is to bring closure to victims of sexual abuse by clergy of the archdiocese. Compensation will be just and fair, based on the experience and judgment of Mr. Feinberg and Ms. Biros, and awarded in a much shorter period of time than a lawsuit and without added legal fees.
What is the role of the Independent Oversight Committee?
The Independent Oversight Committee, comprised of former NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly, U.S. District Judge Loretta A. Preska and Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University Jeanette Cueva, M.D., an expert in child psychiatry, has agreed to oversee the implementation and administration of the IRCP along with the Independent Administrator. Commissioner Kelly will serve as chairman of the Independent Oversight Committee.
The Oversight Committee will interface with Mr. Feinberg and Ms. Biros on a regular basis, to make certain that the IRCP is meeting its goals, and will report its findings to Cardinal Dolan.
The Oversight Committee will not be able to override the compensation decisions made by IRCP administrators. The decision of the administrators is final.
Source: Archdiocese of New York
