New Jersey survivors of abuse by Catholic clergy are now able to seek compensation from a newly established New Jersey Catholic diocese compensation fund.

The fund began receiving claims for compensation on June 15.

What is the New Jersey Compensation Fund for Survivors of Church Sexual Abuse of Minors?

The announcement of the New Jersey compensation fund for survivors of Church sexual abuse of minors comes five months after an announcement from New Jersey’s attorney general that a criminal investigation was being launched into clergy sexual abuse.

This investigation began following a grand jury report in Pennsylvania regarding more than 1,000 children who had been abused by around 300 priests.

The fund will be run independent from the state’s five dioceses, which will not be consulted regarding the distribution of funds to survivors. It will be overseen by two administrators with prior experience running compensation funds.

How Does the Establishment of the Fund Affect Survivors ?

Those who accept compensation from the New Jersey compensation fund will have to waive their right to sue the Catholic church or Catholic clergy members involved in their case. For some survivors, this may be the best course of action. But for others, it may be helpful to discuss their options with a lawyer in order to determine the best course of action for them.

For those who choose to waive their rights, the fund will make it easier to seek compensation. Although New Jersey has never had a single, independently run compensation fund for Catholic sex abuse survivors, the five New Jersey dioceses have individually paid out over $50 million. The institution of the fund will streamline the process of seeking accountability.

Who is Eligible for the New Jersey Compensation Fund for Survivors of Church Sexual Abuse of Minors?

Those who were abused by Catholic clergy members as minors are eligible to apply for compensation from the fund. In mid-February 2019, every New Jersey diocese released a list of priests against whom sexual abuse allegations had been made.

Persons who were abused by clergy members on that list may apply for claims through the fund, as well as others who have claims against additional clergy members.

How Much Compensation Can Survivors Expect to Receive?

Although there is no cap on the amount of compensation available to individual claimants, the highest amount paid out by the Archdiocese of New York has been $500,000.

Do Survivors Need a Lawyer to Apply for the Fund?

Applying for compensation through the fund may be a difficult, confusing, and lengthy process. A consultation with a knowledgeable attorney can help survivors make the best decision, whether they choose to accept or decline a payment from the fund. For those who make a claim, it can help them navigate the process and get the best result possible.

If you were sexually abused as a minor by a member of a New Jersey Catholic Diocese, you may be eligible to apply for compensation through the New Jersey compensation fund.

How will the compensation fund work?

The New Jersey Compensation Fund for Victims of Church Sexual Abuse of Minors will evaluate claims of abuse from victims, who were allegedly victimized by Catholic priests and other church officials.

The fund will reportedly operate separately from the five dioceses of New Jersey, and any settlement that may come from a claim will be paid by the New Jersey diocese where the priest in question worked according to NJ101.5.

The compensation fund will reportedly be the first statewide compensation program of its kind, with each claim separately evaluated to determine what settlement amount would be appropriate.

Fund managers Kenneth Feinberg and Camille Biros will be conducting the claim review process. Feinberg has also been administrator of the United States September 11th Victim Compensation Fund and Biros and has helped manage the priest abuse victims’ fund for the New York Archdiocese.

According to the New Jersey Compensation Fund administrators, victims can visit the fund’s website and can find a draft procedure for how the settlements will be distributed. Victims will reportedly have 30 days to comment on the draft procedures, and the fund will be able to start accepting claims.

If a settlement is offered, the alleged victims may either accept or reject the settlement according to NJ.com.

It is important to note that if the alleged victim accepts the settlement, they must sign an agreement that states they will not sue the diocese. However, the person will be able to speak freely about their alleged abuse and settlement.

While New Jersey has not had an independent compensation fund for alleged abuse victims of the Catholic church, individual dioceses have funded their own settlements for years.

This article is not legal advice. It is presented for informational purposes only.

Related:

How Do I Know if I Qualify for the New Jersey Catholic Church Sex Abuse Compensation Program?

How Much Has The NJ Catholic Church Paid to Sex Abuse Victims?

New Jersey Catholic Church Records Reveal Names of Accused Priests Prior to Opening of Compensation Fund

New Jersey Clergy Abuse Statistics