Published Oct. 8, 2004

Code of conduct aims to protect minors

Last April the archdiocese finalized a revised set of policies and procedures to help maintain a safe environment for all children and youth within the church. Part of this project was the development of a code of conduct for all who work with youth. All priests, teachers and volunteers are required to follow this code of conduct.

As we begin a new school year, the Safe Environment Committee thought it important to publish the code of conduct as a reminder to all of us of the high expectations the archdiocese has set for those who lead church activities. We pray that all of us will have the strength and grace to follow this code in all of our dealings with youth.

Archdiocesan Code of Conduct

Our children are the most important gifts God has entrusted to us. I promise to strictly follow the rules and guidelines of this Code of Conduct as a condition of my providing services to minors of our archdiocese.

 

I will:

• treat everyone with respect, loyalty, patience, integrity, courtesy, dignity and consideration;

• avoid situations where I am alone with a minor at church and school activities;

• use positive reinforcement rather than criticism, competition or comparison when working with minors;

• refuse to accept expensive gifts from minors or their parents without prior written approval from the pastor or administrator;

• refrain from giving expensive gifts to minors without prior written approval from the parents or guardian and the pastor or administrator;

• if a minor discloses information to me, as a volunteer, I may report this myself or I will report it to my supervisor (pastor, administrator) so that the supervisor can report the disclosure to the Office of Children’s Services (OCS). As a volunteer, I understand that I am not mandated to report to OCS and understand that the supervisor is expected to report this information about abuse.

• cooperate fully in any investigation of abuse of minors.

 

I will not:

• smoke or use tobacco products in the presence of minors;

• use, possess or be under the influence of alcohol at any time while volunteering;

• use, possess or be under the influence of illegal drugs at any time;

• pose any health risk to minors (i.e., no fevers or other contagious situations);

• strike, spank, shake or slap minors;

• humiliate, ridicule, threaten or degrade minors;

• touch a minor in a sexual or other inappropriate manner;

• use any discipline that frightens or humiliates minors;

• use profanity in the presence of minors.