Scott Harshbarger, a former attorney general of Massachusetts was named as the independent investigator into sexual abuse accusations spanning decades at St. George’s School.
St. George’s School and SGS for Healing, an organization of alumni survivors of abuse, jointly announced two agreements today.
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The parties have agreed that Scott Harshbarger, Esq. of the Boston law firm Casner & Edwards has been jointly retained by the School and SGS for Healing as the Independent Investigator. Mr. Harshbarger, the former Middlesex County District Attorney and Attorney General of Massachusetts, is a recognized expert in independent investigations.
The parties have agreed to a comprehensive and independent program for mental health assistance in cooperation with Day One of Rhode Island, a non-profit provider of clinical, treatment, intervention, education, advocacy, and prevention services for victims of trauma. If an alumnus or alumna who was the victim of sexual abuse by faculty, staff, or students at St. George’s School needs crisis mental health assistance or a referral to a local mental health professional (to be paid for by the School), he or she may receive immediate help by contacting Day One. Any victim of sexual abuse by faculty, staff, or students at the School (whether or not affiliated with SGS for Healing) may avail him/herself of these services. The processing of payments to providers will be handled by an independent third-party administrator and the names of alumni receiving mental health assistance will not be revealed to the School or SGS for Healing.
Said Anne Scott of SGS for Healing: “These preliminary agreements represent further progress for alumni victims. While there is much more to be accomplished, we hope to work productively with the Board and new counsel for the School.”
Said Leslie Heaney, Chair of the School’s Board of Trustees: “The St. George’s School is committed to the truth and supporting alumni survivors who have been harmed by sexual abuse. Today’s announcement represents important steps toward healing for the survivors and the St. George’s community.”
