Catholic Diocese of Evansville

Catholic Diocese of Evansville

Best Practices for Pastoral Conduct

(For Priests, Deacons, Pastoral Ministers, Administrators, Staff, and Volunteers)

Our children are the most important gifts God has entrusted to us. As one who works with children in any capacity, I promise to follow these best practices as a condition of my providing services to the children and youth of our diocese.

I will:

a. treat everyone with respect, loyalty, patience, integrity, courtesy, dignity, and consideration.

            b.   report any suspected abuse and neglect to the local Child Protection Services agency or civil
                authorities; then inform the appropriate supervisor

            c. report suspected sexual abuse by diocesan personnel to the local Child Protection Services agency or
                 civil authorities; then inform the victim assistance coordinator.

e. participate fully in the required training sessions for adults working with children/youth.

f. refrain from smoking or using tobacco products at any time while serving children and/or youth in
parish or diocesan sponsored functions.

g. refrain from using, possessing, or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs at any time
while serving children and/or youth in parish or diocesan functions.

I understand that failure to report suspected abuse to civil authorities is, according to the law, a Class B misdemeanor. The only exceptions to this requirement involve information learned within the Sacrament of Reconciliation or within an attorney-client relationship.

I understand that as one who works with children and/or youth in any capacity, I am subject to a thorough criminal history background check.

I understand that any action inconsistent with these best practices may result in termination of my giving services to children and/or youth.

I certify with my signature below that I have read the diocesan policies and procedures regarding sexual misconduct with minors.

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