The Diocese of Rockville Centre announced the establishment of the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (IRCP) for survivors of sexual abuse by clergy of the Diocese of Rockville Centre. The IRCP allows survivors of sexual abuse by priests or deacons of the diocese to seek financial compensation.

Bishop John O. Barres said he is implementing this program to promote healing and continue its ongoing commitment for the protection of children.

“As your Shepherd, I am asking all of us together to take a new and important step in the Church’s Eucharistic Mission of Mercy,” said Bishop Barres. “With this program we are making a major commitment to the ongoing healing of survivors of acts of child sexual abuse committed by clergy.”

The IRCP will be administered by Kenneth R. Feinberg, a mediator who has administered numerous high-profile compensation programs. He and his colleague, Camille Biros have been administering the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Programs in the Archdiocese of New York and the Diocese of Brooklyn.

The diocese has also established an Independent Oversight Committee to administer the program. This committee consists of the Honorable A. Gail Prudenti, Dean of the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University and former Chief Administrative Judge of the Courts of New York State; Michael Cardello III, a partner with the law firm of Moritt Hock & Hamroff; and Dr. Thomas Demaria, a NYS psychologist who is the Director of the Psychological Services Center of the Doctoral Psychology Program at LIU Post.

A statement by the Diocese said it “is fortunate to be able to participate in the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program by using funds from investment returns over time and insurance programs.”

During Phase 1 of the program, Feinberg and Biros will work with those individuals who have previously notified the diocese of abuse perpetrated against them by members of the clergy.

In Phase II, any person wishing to file a new claim alleging sexual abuse not previously reported to the diocese may be eligible.