Parker Waichman LLP

Diocese Releases Report On Past Sexual Abuse of Minors

Diocese Sexual Abuse of Minors. Since 1950, the Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois has received 43 credible allegations of sexual abuse of a minor against 14 diocesan priests, according to a report released by Bishop George J. Lucas. None of the priests involved remain in public ministry; the majority are deceased. The information was […]

Church Sexual Abuse of Minors

Diocese Sexual Abuse of Minors. Since 1950, the Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois has received 43 credible allegations of sexual abuse of a minor against 14 diocesan priests, according to a report released by Bishop George J. Lucas. None of the priests involved remain in public ministry; the majority are deceased.

The information was gathered as part of the diocesan response to a survey conducted by researchers at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York. At their June 2002 meeting in Dallas, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops called for an impartial survey to determine the nature and scope of known sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy.

The results of the national study, covering U.S. Catholic dioceses during the period between 1950 and 2003, are scheduled for release in the second week of February 2004.

“We regret that any child or young person was ever abused by someone working in the name of the church, especially by clergy,” said Bishop Lucas. “We are committed to communicating the truth about what has happened over the past 53 years here in our diocese. We hope that this report will in some way aid in the process of healing for anyone who has been harmed by the sexual abuse of a minor.”

The 14 priests identified in the report represent 3.29 percent of the approximately 425 diocesan priests who served in the Springfield diocese since 1950.

The diocese is also aware of five allegations during those years against three priests belonging to religious orders who were serving in the diocese. For the purposes of the national study, those cases will be included in statistics collected by the relevant religious communities.

allegation of misconduct

The report also showed that, although victims of past abuse have come forward in recent years, there have been no credible reports of abuse occurring since 1987. In the one instance of an allegation of misconduct during the past 16 years, the priest involved was cleared of the charges after an investigation by the Illinois State Police and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

During the past 53 years, the diocese has paid approximately $1.7 million in settlements to victims and provided an additional $120,000 for medical expenses such as professional counseling. About $315,000 was paid in attorney fees. Of these amounts, over $1.1 million of the settlements and $51,000 of the legal fees were paid by insurance.

In 1994, the diocese released its Pastoral Policy on Sexual Misconduct with Minors by Church Personnel. It unequivocally prohibited sexual abuse of minors and said that those who had knowledge of such acts had a strong “moral obligation” to report them and to cooperate with civil authorities in investigating such acts.

In June 2003, the policy was revised in response to the U.S. bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and the accompanying legal norms. The diocesan Policy on Working with Minors, also released last June, establishes a code of conduct and standards of behavior for persons working with children and young people.

The diocese also requires that anyone who has significant contact with minors through diocesan churches, schools and other institutions undergo a criminal background check and participate in Protecting God’s Children, a safe environment program designed to heighten awareness of the dangers of child sexual abuse.

“I want to stress again that our diocese is committed to the protection of children and young people,” Bishop Lucas said. “We promise to receive any allegations of the sexual abuse of a minor respectfully and to investigate them thoroughly. I remain committed – and our policy provides the means to keep from active ministry any member of the clergy who is guilty of even one instance of sexual abuse of a minor.”

Need Legal Help Regarding Sexual Abuse of Minors?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
I must have called my attorney Alex Tovstolug and his paralegal Katherine Snedecor over 70 times since my case arrived in Parker Waichman's litigation dept. Honestly, I don't remember one time where my call wasn't taken or returned the same day. With every encounter, the staff and attorneys at Parker Waichman treated me with respect, understanding and, above all, patience. Alex and Katherine always made me feel as if my case was their top priority, and that they were only concerned with getting the best outcome FOR ME. In the end, we did get the best outcome and I was privileged to see Alex at trial and at his finest! I can't thank you guys enough for taking my case, for working so hard on my case; and for always putting me first.
Sonia Demitre
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I would like to thank Kathy and Alex for all their hard work and dedication through out the entire process. I am very happy with the outcome of the case. I would highly recommend to my family and friends.
Alanah Rotunno
7 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Excellent service, I am very grateful for what they did for my accident case and I thank Ana Palacios for her attention and kindness and I recommend all the staff for your case.
Erasmo Garcia
8 months ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038