The Catholic bishops of the United States adopted the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (Charter), in June 2002. The Charter was revised and approved in June 2005. The Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons (Essential Norms) was approved by the Apostolic See in December 2002 and a revision was approved January 2006. These documents stipulate that each bishop/eparch must establish a review board to function as a confidential, consultative body to the bishop/eparch on matters related to the response of the local church to issues surrounding the sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable adults by priests and deacons. The Review Board is notified of all intakes regarding sexual abuse against a minor or vulnerable person.
 
Both the Charter and Essential Norms state that a majority of the review board members “will be lay persons who are not in the employ of the diocese/eparchy.” The Essential Norms specify additional requirements for membership: 

• at least five persons of “outstanding integrity and good judgment in full communion with the Church” 
• an experienced pastor of the diocese/eparchy
• an expert in the treatment of child sexual abuse