Audit Shows 2007 Claims and Payouts By Catholic Church In Abuse Cases

The AP reports that last Friday, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops released the 2007 Annual Report on the Implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (full text of Annual Report). Summarizing some of the findings, the AP says that "in 2007, the number of sex abuse claims against Roman Catholic clergy dropped for the third consecutive year, but total payouts to victims nearly doubled to reach their highest level ever.... Last year, total abuse-related costs, including settlements, legal fees, therapy for victims and support for offenders, surpassed $615 million for dioceses and religious orders." The Annual Report also surveyed and made recommendations regarding compliance with child protection policies.