DIOCESAN REVIEW BOARD             In accordance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People adopted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, a Diocesan Review Board was formally established in 2003.              The purpose of the Diocesan Review Board is to assist the Bishop in discharging his responsibilities involving the sexual abuse of minors by clerics.             The Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies dealing with allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Priest or Deacons approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops states, “The review board, established by the Diocesan/Eparchial Bishop, will be composed of at least five persons of outstanding integrity and good judgment in full communion with the Church.  The majority of the review board members will be lay persons who are not in the employ of the Diocese/Eparchy but at least one member should be a priest who is an experienced and respected pastor of the Diocese/Eparchy in question, and at least one member should have particular expertise in the treatment of the sexual abuse of minors.” The Diocesan Review Board members appointed by the Bishop are: · Joan Hanosek of Lehighton, Chair-a registered nurse and the Director of Quality Management at Gnaden Huetten Hospital in Lehighton. · Doctor Diane Bonaccorsi of Reading-a physician in family practice and is the mother of three teenage children. · Doctor Eugene Decker of Bethlehem-a physician in family practice and is often an expert prosecution witness in child sexual abuse cases. · David Kelley of Center Valley-a West Point graduate and a decorated Vietnam veteran and is now President of PPL Telcom. · Beth Mull, Ph.D. of Reading-a psychologist who has worked with children and adolescents in therapy. · Michael J. O'Connor of Frackville-an attorney in private practice with offices in Pottsville and Allentown. · Monsignor Albert J. Byrne, Pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, Allentown. The norms of the Charter approved by the Vatican call for a seasoned pastor to be a member of the Board. Post Office Box F  •  Allentown, PA  •  18105-1538 Copyright 2003 The Catholic Diocese of Allentown Disclaimer and Terms of Use