Mediation continues to be ongoing with a third mediation session scheduled. The Committee must keep information about its negotiations with the Diocese during mediation confidential. This is something that the Court requires. Survivors sometimes find this challenging because they do not have information about how things are progressing. If you have questions, or are experiencing frustration during the mediation, remember that the Committee is made up of nine Survivors, and that they are dedicated to representing all Survivors in the case as effectively as possible. In addition, the Bankruptcy Process resource tab at the top of this webpage may provide some answers to your questions, and you are also welcome to contact the attorneys for the Committee, or have your own attorney(s) contact us, any time. We always welcome your questions and thoughts.

The Committee and the Diocese will commence the first mediation proceeding in late February 2024. The Committee’s bankruptcy counsel, Stinson LLP, will appear on behalf of the Committee at the mediation. Committee members and their individual counsel are welcome to attend.

Dear Survivors, those supporting Survivors, and others interested in the Roman Catholic Bishop of Santa Rosa bankruptcy case:

On behalf of the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (the “Survivors’ Committee”), welcome to the Santa Rosa Survivors’ webpage. We, the Survivors Committee, were appointed by the US Trustee’s Office to advocate on behalf of all Survivors of abuse within the Diocese of Santa Rosa.  The Survivors Committee is made up of nine Survivors of abuse related to this Diocese, whom represent a diversity of ages and genders. As Survivors ourselves, we understand the pain and trauma that other Survivors may be experiencing during this bankruptcy case. We understand that each Survivors’ journey is unique, and we empathize with each one of you as we navigate and process the trauma we have all experienced. Whether you are just beginning that journey or have been on it for many years, we are with you.   We have designed this website to help with the questions you may have about the bankruptcy case.

This website provides the following information regarding the bankruptcy case of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Santa Rosa: 

• Overview of the bankruptcy process
• Diocesan Bankruptcy frequently asked questions (FAQ)
• News feed detailing case events and the Survivors’ Committee’s activities
• Mental health resources for Survivors

The website will be regularly updated over the course of the case. The Survivors’ Committee hopes Survivors find this information useful, and encourage any Survivors with questions to contact their personal attorneys or the Survivors’ Committee’s bankruptcy counsel, Stinson LLP. To contact Stinson LLP, you may email santarosasurvivorteam@stinson.com.

On November 9, 2023, the bankruptcy court granted the Committee’s application to employ Stout Risius Ross, LLC (“Stout”) as its valuation expert to assist with assessing the value of claims filed in this case and the allocation of such claims to any applicable insurance coverage in order for the Committee to effectively negotiate a global settlement with the Debtor and its insurers.