The Archdiocese of Detroit places no deadlines or time limits when reviewing allegations of sexual abuse of minors by priests, deacons, and other personnel. Be it five, 15, or 50 years later, our diocese accepts and responds to all reports. Since 2002, every complaint of abuse has immediately been turned over to civil authorities, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred. Also that year, the archdiocese turned over to civil authorities its files relating to allegations of abuse from previous years.

Complaints also are considered by the Archdiocese of Detroit Review Board; however, this canonical (Church) review process begins only when civil authorities have completed their investigation and/or have notified the archdiocese that it should proceed. For more information about this process, please click these links:

Open letter from the Honorable Michael J. Talbot, Chair of the Archdiocesan Review Board, on the processing of sexual abuse complaints in the Archdiocese of Detroit

Detroit Catholic: Independent review, lifelong monitoring of priests part of Archdiocese of Detroit’s response to abuse

Current members of the Archdiocese of Detroit Review Board

When reviewing complaints, the Archdiocese of Detroit follows guidelines set by the U.S. Bishops to direct our policy on sexual abuse issues:

USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children & Young People

FAQ's Regarding the Protection of Children & Young People Under the Charter

Archdiocese of Detroit Policy on Sexual Abuse

Guidelines on Removal of Priests

FAQs Regarding the Canonical Process for the Resolution of Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests and Deacons