Today we are initiating an independent mediation process to meet the needs of those who have been victims of clergy sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. This process is based on the fundamental principals of accessibility, responsiveness, and healing. The process attempts to span the chasm that has grown steadily wider between those victims/survivors and the Catholic Church.

The issue of clergy sexual abuse has been the most difficult problem to face the Catholic Church in its history. There are no satisfactory answers, only sincere attempts to do the right thing. While those in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee share the pain that this issue has caused others across the country, we have decided, with extensive consultation from all stakeholders in this issue, to attempt a different approach.

Some may ask: Why mediation? Mediation is an ages old, but recently rediscovered process that is based on the principle of self-determination. Those who are participants in a dispute, design both how they will reach resolution, and what that resolution will be. Mediation is voluntary, private, and creative. The process offers dignity, flexibility, and control. As a result, and after broad consultation, I am establishing this process to offer an option to those victims/survivors who would choose to attempt a resolution of their problem with the Catholic Church.

I want to be very clear: this system is not a panacea. It is fluid, a work in progress. We will be listening very carefully to the reaction of early users of the system in order to improve it for the future. We want to keep this dialogue open. For some, today’s announcement will offer a path to closure, for others, it will be the first step in a long journey of healing.

Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan
Archbishop of Milwaukee

1. The Archdiocese of Milwaukee will announce the establishment of the system in late January, 2004.
2. For the eight-week period following the announcement, the Archdiocese will conduct an extensive and intensive public awareness campaign to reach potential users of the system.
   • The Archdiocese will use both Church-related and non-Church-related media venues.
   • The Archbishop will designate one weekend during this period (Saturday, February 28, and Sunday, February 29) to be used by parishes to publicize this system.
   • The Archbishop will use typical broadcast media outlets, including public service announcements, if available, to reach potential users of the system.
   • The Archdiocese will use typical print media outlets, as well as posters and brochures, to reach potential users of the system.
   
   
   
   SCREENING, INTAKE, REFERRAL
3. The Intake Coordinator (Appendix A), in consultation with the System Director (Appendix D), will conduct the intake process (Appendix C) for a 90-day period from the date of the announcement of the system.
4. The victim/survivor may select an independent investigator from the panel ( Appendix E) or the caller may nominate another investigator that is mutually acceptable.
5. During this 90-day period, the process of arranging for the commencement of mediation sessions will be ongoing.
6. The victim/survivor may select a mediator from the roster ( Appendix F) or the victim/survivor may nominate another mediator that is mutually agreeable.
   
   
   MEDIATION SESSION
7. All mediation sessions will be held in a neutral location, convenient and agreeable to the victim/survivor and the Archdiocese.
8. With the consent of both the victim/survivor and the Archdiocese, any person may be invited to attend the mediation session as support for the victim/survivor. There is no limit on the number of attendees in a session.
9. All participants will be asked to sign an Agreement to Mediate ( Appendix G).
10. Either the victim/survivor or the Archdiocese may terminate the mediation process at any time by notifying the mediator. The mediator also retains the right to terminate the process.
11. If the mediation begins and any participant is dissatisfied with the mediator, the participant, with all participants’ consent, may request that the Intake Coordinator appoint a different mediator. Mediation in this system may only be attempted twice with different mediators.
12. Upon expiration of the 90-day intake period, the mediation sessions will begin.
    
    
    MEDIATION AGREEMENT
13. Mediation sessions that end in resolution will have that agreement recorded in written form. (Both the victim/survivor, if he/she desires, and the Archdiocese will have legal counsel review the written agreement before it is signed.)
14. Copies of the mediation agreement will be maintained in the office of the Intake Coordinator and with legal counsel; no copies will be filed at the Chancery or any other archdiocesan office.

A flow chart of the structure of the clergy sexual abuse mediation system is available at this link.

A print advertisement and the plan to publicize the clergy sexual abuse mediation system is available at this link.