Law Given Sex Abuse Panel Report

BOSTON -- A comprehensive plan to protect children from any future sexual abuse by clergy was released Monday to Cardinal Bernard Law.

NewsCenter 5's Kelley Tuthill said that the 12-member commission was appointed by Law in March after the sex abuse scandal exploded in Boston and across the nation.

The Commission for the Protection of Children delivered a 52-page report to Law, confident that the recommendations will be implemented, Tuthill said.

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Watch Kelley Tuthill's Report

"We believe that it is really comprehensive and complete. We have only one agenda and that is to heal the victims and prevent any other victims from occurring," Commission for the Protection of Children Chairwoman Maureen Bateman said.

The recommendations include:

• Mandatory reporting to civil authorities for all clergy staff and volunteers within 24 hours of receiving a report of credible allegations that a child has been abused.
• Establishment of child abuse prevention teams of laity in each parish, responsible for child abuse prevention education and training for church staff.
• Immediate removal from duty for clergy and staff after receiving credible allegations, with no return to ministry or work for anyone who engages in sexual activity with a minor.
• Creation of a system to supervise clergy removed from the ministry.

"There is a proposal of a regional, and ultimately national registry of persons removed because of credible allegations. There could be cooperation between the Boy Scouts and the church, just to be sure that a predator doesn't move from a diocesan role to a Boy Scout role," Bateman said.

Law did not speak to reporters gathered outside the chancery.

"The report is of great value as the Archdiocese revises its policy," Law said in a statement. "I am hopeful that the final document will be complete by Dec. 1"

"The hierarchy is going to have to show us, this time, that things have truly changed. We don't know that yet," Massachusetts Attorney General tom Reilly said.