A U.S. bankruptcy judge has approved the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse’s plan to exit Chapter 11 and compensate survivors of clergy sexual abuse. Survivors have been in limbo waiting since 2020, when they first filed.
A Long-Awaited Path to Justice
The church filed for bankruptcy in June 2020 amid a surge of lawsuits stemming from the Child Victims Act. Decades of abuse came to light, and survivors demanded justice. After five years of negotiation and litigation, the Diocese and related Catholic entities have agreed to contribute $100 million to a survivors’ trust fund comprised of $50 million from the Diocese, $45 million from parishes, and $5 million from affiliated organizations. Insurance companies will add $76 million, for a total fund of $176 million.
But the settlement goes further. The plan includes non-monetary reforms, strengthened safe environment protocols intended to help ensure the horrors of the past are not repeated.
Why Non-Monetary Changes Matter
When institutions like the church navigate bankruptcy, there’s always a risk that financial settlements merely quiet the noise. But survivors know the truth: healing also requires accountability and cultural change. In Syracuse, the inclusion of real policy reforms signals a deeper commitment. This is not just recompense, it’s a promise to protect future generations.
How Andreozzi + Foote Stands With Survivors
At Andreozzi + Foote, we’ve guided survivors through some of the most complex diocesan bankruptcy cases, including the well-publicized $246 million settlement with the Diocese of Rochester. In that case, our client served on the Tort Claimants’ Committee, taking a leadership role in negotiations.
As attorney Nate Foote remarked, “While no amount of money can truly compensate the nearly 500 survivors… our perseverance helped bring about a meaningful resolution.” Andreozzi + Foote
We’ve consistently fought for:
- Survivor leadership in the negotiating process
- Full transparency in institutional assets and liabilities
- Meaningful policy reforms, not just payouts
We believe survivors deserve a seat and a pen at the table.
What the Syracuse Plan Means
- Financial Accountability: The $176 million fund provides tangible recognition and support, yet survivors also need their voices heard and carried forward.
- Safety Reforms: The inclusion of preventive measures strengthens trust and safety across diocesan institutions.
- Survivor Empowerment: Just like in Rochester, meaningful participation in the process empowers survivors and reshapes outcomes.
Why Your Voice Matters
If you’ve been harmed by clergy or religious institutions and a bankruptcy is underway, know that you retain rights. Compensation is possible. More importantly, policy reform is possible.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we don’t just advocate, we amplify survivor-led advocacy, ensuring that settlements build a better, safer future for everyone.
If You’re Considering Legal Help…
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Whether a church is in bankruptcy or you’re questioning your rights, you have options. Give yourself voice, take agency, and reach out. With support, healing by justice is not just possible, it’s happening. Contact us today at 1-866-753-5458