Protection Enough for Children in D.C.
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Regarding the Dec. 14 editorial "Childhood Trauma" and the 11th-hour effort by D.C. Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) to amend the child-protection bill proposed by Phil Mendelson (D-At Large):
Mr. Barry's amendment isn't about holding abusers accountable. It's about expanding opportunities for a small group of trial lawyers from outside the District to file lawsuits for money against the Archdiocese of Washington. The District is the latest stop on their national tour to expand lawsuits against Catholic churches and related charities.
The trial lawyers' proposal would not apply to D.C. Public Schools or other government entities, which enjoy very restrictive limits on lawsuits against them. More than a year ago, we drafted legislation to close the child-protection gap between public and private entities and proposed it to Mr. Barry, who took no action. He continues to promote legislation that would increase the number of lawsuits against the Archdiocese.
The Archdiocese has had a comprehensive child-protection policy for 22 years, with monitoring by independent experts, required criminal background checks (even for volunteers), immediate reporting of allegations to law enforcement, and adult and child awareness education. We have taken responsibility for those harmed, offering apologies, assistance and even financial settlements. A unanimous D.C. Council committee and a majority of the full council have recognized that proposals to increase lawsuits are not only bad public policy; in Washington, they also are aimed at an organization that has long taken child-protection seriously.
Mr. Mendelson's bill should be approved without amendment when it comes up for a vote today.
JANE G. BELFORD
Chancellor
Archdiocese of Washington
Washington
