BEST PRACTICES FOR ADULTS WHO WORK WITH YOUTH

Two approved (“approved” means that the Pastor knows the person and approves him or her AND the person has submitted to a criminal history background check) adult leaders or one approved leader and a parent of a participant, both of whom must be 21 years of age or older, are required for all parish sponsored youth activities. The parish is responsible for ensuring that sufficient leadership is provided for all activities.

One-on-one contact between adults and youth is not permitted. In the rare situations that require personal conferences, the meeting is to be conducted in view of other adults and youths.

Note: Professional Mental Health Counselors, who are required to follow the Ethical Code of their professional discipline, State licensing requirements, and State legislation regulating professional conduct, may conduct one-on-one private counseling sessions.

The term Professional Mental Health Counselor, as used herein, means a person with a master’s degree in a recognized mental health discipline, who is licensed, or supervised by a licensed professional, and is employed by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Evansville or is officially approved by the Catholic Education Office to provide services on school premises.

Adult leaders must respect the privacy of youth and intrude only to the extent that health and safety require. Adults must protect their own privacy in similar situations.

When staying overnight, no youth is permitted to sleep in the room of an adult other than his or her own parent or guardian.

...for high adventure activities. Activities with elements of risk should never be undertaken without proper preparation, equipment, clothing, competent supervision, and safety measures.

The Diocese of Evansville does not recognize any secret organizations as part of its program. All aspects of the youth program are open to observation by pastors, parents, and leaders. Even in cases of closed membership (i.e. TEC, Knights of Columbus Squire Circles, etc.) parents and pastors MUST be admitted at any time to observe the program.

Proper clothing for activities is required. Modest dress is always required. Guidelines for appropriate attire for a given activity should be written and stated before all youth functions.

Discipline used in youth ministry, educational, and catechetical ministry should be constructive and reflect the Church’s values. Corporal punishment is never permitted.

Physical hazing and initiations are prohibited and may not be included as part of any activity. Adult leaders must monitor and guide the leadership techniques used by youth leaders and ensure that diocesan policies are followed.

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.