Victims' Assistance
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A Statement from Bishop James T. Ruggieri
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The Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland continues to be committed to work for healing of those who have suffered sexual abuse by clergy or other church representatives. For survivors, through the office of the Victims’ Assistance Coordinator, we offer counseling with licensed therapists. We are also committed to ongoing efforts and education to maintain safe environments for our children and vulnerable adults. We are committed to fully cooperating with civil authorities and to maintaining accountability in instances of sexual abuse. Everyone in our Church is accountable - bishops, priests, religious, educators, coaches, catechists, and volunteers – to keep our church environments safe.
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Summary of Counseling Assistance PolicyThe Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland offers financial assistance for outpatient counseling and spiritual support to individuals who report having been sexually abused by clergy or other diocesan representatives. This assistance is provided as part of the Church’s pastoral commitment to support healing and is not an admission of legal liability.
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Who Is Eligible
Anyone who reports having been sexually abused by a representative of the diocese.
Immediate family members may also receive short-term crisis-intervention counseling.
Assistance is offered regardless of when the abuse occurred and without requiring proof before beginning treatment.
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What the Diocese Provides
- Mental Health Counseling
- Additional Sessions
- Spiritual Assistance
- What is Generally Not Covered
- Independent Clinician
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Initial 12 outpatient therapy sessions with a licensed treatment provider of the individual’s choice and approved by the independent clinician.
Coverage includes uninsured costs, such as deductibles, co-pays, and sessions beyond insurance limits.
Providers must coordinate with the independent clinician before treatment begins.
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Additional therapy may be covered if the provider consults with the Independent Clinician and treatment is:
Necessary
Related to the abuse
- Goal-oriented and productive
Returning to Treatment
If returning within 2 years, up to 4 sessions are automatically covered.
If more than 2 years, up to 8 sessions are covered.
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One session per month with a trained spiritual director.
One spiritual retreat per year (registration, room, and board).
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- Inpatient treatment (except in rare, pre-approved circumstances).
- Travel expenses (unless hardship is demonstrated and pre-approved).
- Missed appointments or sessions provided without required pre-approval.
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A licensed mental health professional—independent from the Diocese—who:
Reviews treatment plans and requests for additional sessions.
Advises the Diocese on treatment appropriateness.
Does not share clinical details with the Diocese.
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Contacts
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Shannon Fossett, JCLshannon.fossettportlanddiocese.orgVictims' Assistance Coordinator
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Ms. Carolyn Bloom, LCSWcbloomlcswgmail.comIndependent Clinician
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