ABOUT THE REVIEW BOARD
In accordance with the Essential Norms, the Diocese has established a Diocesan Review Board that will assist the Bishop and the Diocese in determining and responding to allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. This Review Board is composed of at least five persons and no more than nine, of outstanding integrity and good judgment, in full communion with the Church. The majority of the members of this Board are laypersons who are not in the employ of the Diocese. At least one member is a priest who is an experienced and respected pastor of the Diocese. At least one member has expertise in the treatment of sexual abuse of minors. The appointments of these members will be staggered in order to ensure continuity and may be renewed at the discretion of the Diocesan Bishop. The Promoter of Justice, while not a member of the Board, may participate in its meetings.
The functions of the Board include:
• Advising the Bishop in his assessment of allegations of sexual abuse of minors and his determination of the accused clergy member’s suitability for ministry;
• Reviewing diocesan policies for dealing with sexual abuse of minors;
• May be asked to offer advice on all aspects of these cases, whether retrospectively or prospectively.
In order to provide the Diocesan Review Board with sufficient information for their consideration, the Diocesan Bishop will designate a private investigative agency.
MEMBERS OF THE DIOCESAN REVIEW BOARD
Thomas J. Principe, Vice-Chair
Attorney in Private Practice, Former Assistant District Attorney, Judge Advocate General, JAG Lawyer (Military’s Judicial Arm)
Gena Diacomanolis, JD
An attorney with expertise in dealing with victims of violence, including child sexual abuse
Madeline E. Hogan, R.N.
Registered Professional Nurse for 51 years, Master of Science-Nursing, Master of Arts-Theology, Professor Emerita- Nassau Community College, Nursing Educator for 41 years, Parishioner of Incarnation Church, Queens Village, for 47 years, Married for 47 years, two grown sons and five grandsons.
Dr. Ralph Nofi
A New York State licensed psychologist, Interim Principal of Regis High School, Board Chair of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy in Brooklyn, permanent New York State Certification in School Psychology, an extensive career working with at-risk youths, professional affiliation with the American Psychological Association and the National Association of School Psychologists, Board Member for Catholic Charities of New York Community Services, Review Board Member for the Baltimore Province of Redemptorist Fathers.
Rev. James Rodriguez
Pastor in good standing. Fr. Rodriguez holds a Master of Science in Education in Mental Health Counseling from St. John’s University.
Sasha Soon Ph.D.
A Psychologist working in the administrative capacity as the Director of Community Integration and Compliance Officer at an Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic in Queens. Experience as a clinician with At-Risk populations and more recently in Senior Management at the Bleuler Psychotherapy Center, Inc. Current member of the Advisory Board at Transitional Services of New York as well as a Member of the Board of Directors of St. Clare Catholic Academy in Rosedale.
Diocesan Review Board Explainer Video:
