CHICAGO (IL)
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
MICHAEL TARM
Associated Press
CHICAGO - The Chicago Archdiocese and the state's child welfare agency announced a joint agreement to more quickly respond to abuse allegations after both came under fire for not doing enough to protect youngsters in a recent priest abuse case.
Under the agreement announced Wednesday, Catholic leaders will immediately report all allegations of child abuse by clergy to the agency, and the agency will notify the archdiocese with 48 hours of its investigators' findings.
Both have been sharply criticized for their handling of the Rev. Daniel McCormack, who is charged with abusing three boys.
Authorities say allegations against McCormack first surfaced in August but the priest was allowed to stay at St. Agatha Church in Chicago until January, when he was charged.