Independent Survivor Compensation Program (ISCP)
Protocol 

On November 8, 2018, the Diocese of Scranton announced the establishment of the Independent Survivor Compensation Program (ISCP). This program seeks to provide compensation to victim-survivors of abuse by priests or deacons of the Diocese of Scranton.

The deadline to register to participate in the Diocese of Scranton ISCP is July 31, 2019.

If you are a victim or survivor of sexual abuse by clergy of the Diocese of Scranton and it would help you try to heal, then you should consider entering into this Compensation Program. It is advisable to begin your application as soon as possible.

If you wish to participate in the Diocese of Scranton’s Compensation Program, this firm can assist you in assembling the necessary papers and application for compensation. We have successfully represented clergy sexual abuse victims and survivors in obtaining compensation from a number of dioceses and religious orders throughout the United States.

In order to participate in the Diocese of Scranton’s Compensation Program, you must register to participate by notifying the Diocese of your claim by July 31, 2019.

If you file an application for compensation, you are under no obligation to accept the financial offer of settlement by the Diocese of Scranton. You will not be required to waive any future rights to bring a claim or action unless you choose to accept the settlement offer.

It is important that your claim be properly prepared before being evaluated by the Administrators of the Compensation Program. For example, with regard to corroboration, historical records, such as medical records and therapy records, should be collected and reviewed, oral and written communications concerning the clergy sexual abuse should be examined and law enforcement records should be obtained and reviewed. The Administrators must find that the facts and circumstances of the claim of clergy sexual abuse demonstrate that the allegations are credible and that the clergy sexual abuse victim or survivor provides sufficient corroboration and proof to justify the payment of compensation.

The lack of sufficient corroboration and proof of the allegations of clergy sexual abuse will be taken into account by the Administrators in determining the credibility of the claim and eligibility for compensation. You are allowed to supplement your pending claim with additional information.

If you accept the settlement offer, the Diocese of Scranton will require you to sign a Full Release of Liability waiving all future legal rights to bring a claim or an action against all responsive parties. You will not be bound by any kind of Confidentiality Agreement.

The Administrators expect to review claims and make payments to eligible claimants on a rolling basis.

Please note that the above statement is just a brief discussion of the Diocese of Scranton Compensation Program or Protocol and is no way exhaustive in the description of the Compensation Program or Protocol.