A clinical social worker has been hired by the Omaha Archdiocese to help anyone who alleges sexual abuse involving priests or other church employees.

Mary Beth Hanus specializes in child abuse and neglect. She will serve as an advocate to help meet the victim's needs. "I see it as a mission of hope. I'm independent, although I answer to the board. The church really wants people to know there's somebody out there that will listen and will respond and that they care. So I really see it as a position of hope."

Hanus is a native of Omaha and was previously with Children's Hospital for 15 years.