Code of Pastoral Conduct & Sexual Misconduct Policy

APPENDIX I

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES OF THE ARCHDIOCESAN REVIEW BOARD

Policy

Statement of Policy: The policies of the Review Board (hereafter “Board”) of the Archdiocese of Anchorage (hereinafter “Archdiocese”) are those set forth in the revised “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” (hereinafter “Charter”) and the revised “Essential Norms for Diocesan / Eparchial Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons” (hereinafter “Norms”). The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops approved these documents in November 2002. The policies of the Board will be updated in accordance with any revisions, amendments or other modifications to the Charter or the Norms or any other applicable document subsequently approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Purpose

The purpose of these Policies and Procedures is to regulate the organization and conduct of the Board in its execution of the responsibilities assigned to it in the Charter and Norms.

Definitions

Victim Assistance Coordinator (the “Coordinator”) is a person trained and experienced in dealing with victims of sexual abuse and exploitation

Independent Investigator(s) will be individuals of outstanding integrity, good judgment, and professional training who have experience in conducting investigations and are knowledgeable in the areas of sexual abuse, exploitation or harassment. The Independent Investigator(s) will have written contracts with the Archdiocese on behalf of the Board. At the request of the Board, the Independent Investigators will conduct the initial investigation into the accuracy of the allegations of sexual misconduct and report the findings in writing to the Board and the Archdiocese.

Procedures

Section 1. Membership, Tenure and Officers

1.1 The Archbishop of Anchorage will appoint the members of the Board.

1.2 The Board is to be composed of at least five (5) persons of “outstanding integrity and good judgment in full communion with the Church” (Norm 5). The majority of the Board should be lay persons. One member should be “a priest who is an experienced and respected pastor”, one member “should have particular expertise in the treatment of the sexual abuse of minors”(Norm 5), and one member should have legal and/or law enforcement expertise.