Sunday, October 29, 2006

NYSDRA Named in Law Suit

Lawsuit targets diocese panel -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY:


The Albany Times Union reports that the NYS Dispute Resolution Association has been named with IMAP - the Independent Mediation Assistance Program - in a suit alleging the agency set up to help victims of clergy sex abuse fraudulently claimed it was independent of the diocese.

"ALBANY -- A California priest is suing the Albany Diocese's mediation panel, alleging the agency set up to help victims of clergy sex abuse fraudulently claimed it was independent of the diocese.

The Rev. Mark Jaufman is seeking $2 million in his federal court action filed this week on his behalf and that of other unnamed victims. The suit targets the Independent Mediation Assistance Program, or IMAP."


Jaufman's case has been before the agency for more than a year with no action. IMAP is scheduled to cease operations on Nov. 27.

IMAP was launched in 2004 with $5 million to help victims of clergy sex abuse. Last month, it said it had provided $1.8 million in financial assistance, along with counseling and other services to 31 people. At the time, Levine and Bishop Howard Hubbard announced that those who were minors when they were abused by diocesan priests had until Oct. 25 to request aid.

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