The Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, has announced the selection of Ralph Nofi, PsyD, as the new Chair of the Diocesan Review Board (DRB). A New York State licensed psychologist, Dr. Nofi has had an extensive career working with at-risk youths and has professional affiliations with the American Psychological Association and the National Association of School Psychologists.
Dr. Nofi recently retired from Regis High School, where he worked for more than three decades as a psychologist and most recently as the interim principal. He is the board chair of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy in Brooklyn, a board member for Catholic Charities of New York Community Services, and review board member for the Baltimore Province of Redemptorist Fathers.
Dr. Nofi replaces outgoing chair Robert Boyce, a retired 35-year veteran of the New York City Police Department who served on the Diocesan Review Board since 2022.
“I am grateful to have someone with the depth of experience and expertise as Ralph Nofi serving on our Diocesan Review Board. He has lent his expertise to the board for the last year and a half and now his willingness to take on the important role of board chair is greatly appreciated. Likewise, I wish to thank Chief Robert Boyce for his service during these last two years,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.
The DRB is comprised of lay independent professionals: former law enforcement officers, lawyers with experience in family law and child abuse, and mental health professionals, as well as one pastor of the Diocese. The work of the board, mandated by the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, primarily consists of:
• Advising the Bishop in his assessment of allegations of sexual abuse of minors and his determination of the accused clergy member’s suitability for ministry
• Reviewing diocesan policies for dealing with sexual abuse of minors
• Offering advice on all aspects of these cases, whether retrospectively or prospectively, upon request
Bishop Brennan has also announced the appointment of Frankie J. Alvarez, an attorney in private practice, who brings an extensive professional background applicable to the work of the Diocesan Review Board. For more than 40 years, Mr. Alvarez has served in various positions with the New York City Police Department, retiring at the rank of sergeant, the United States Navy Reserve, and most recently with Safe Horizon, a leading non-profit victim assistance organization.
During his 25-year career with the NYPD, Mr. Alvarez served as the Commanding Officer of the Staten Island Special Victims Detective Squad, and the Child Advocacy Center Detective Squad (SICAC). In his role with Safe Horizon, Mr. Alvarez facilitated complex physical and sexual assault case investigations and coordinated advocacy and mental health services for victims.
Mr. Alvarez is a member of the National Center for Prosecution of Child Abuse, and lectures at the New York City Police Academy and St. John’s University on topics including sex crimes, child abuse investigation and criminal justice.
The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, adopted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2002, mandates a Diocesan Review Board in every diocese.
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