MUST READ. All Parents and Students are responsible for reading the following information. A signature Box is listed below.
Diocese of Owensboro YOUTH CODE OF CONDUCT
GRADES 3-5 YOUTH CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PARISH-, SCHOOL-, & DIOCESAN-SPONSORED ACTIVITIES WITH YOUTH.
The Offices of Catholic Schools, Faith Formation and Youth Ministry provide opportunities for young people from all over the Diocese of Owensboro to encounter and follow Jesus Christ, building a community of faith that empowers them to go forth as missionary disciples. With these goals in mind, we have certain expectations of the children, youth, and adults who participate. Young people participating in the Church’s youth activities are under the care of supervisory adults, who are responsible for knowing and following diocesan policy. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to explain this Code of Conduct to their child.
1. I will follow the instructions of my adult supervisors to the best of my ability.
2. I will follow established rules of my school/parish and take responsibility for my own actions.
3. I will respect the rights of all. I will treat everyone with respect, courtesy, dignity, and patience. I will treat everyone kindly and not try to hurt them by my words or actions. I will speak truthfully and not tell lies or say hurtful things to anybody or about anybody.
4. I will act in a way that promotes a good reputation for my school/parish/family and me. This includes wearing clothing appropriate to the activity (e.g. modesty, logos, etc).
5. I will take only what is given to me and not take anything which belongs to others without permission.
6. I will take care of my body. I will avoid posing any health risk to others (i.e. fevers or other contagious situations).
7. I will treat property with care. If something is damaged, I will tell a supervisory adult.
8. I will only use cell phones or other electronic devices if a supervisory adult gives permission and if it is for a good purpose.
9. I will not possess/use/purchase tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs, inappropriate videos, inappropriate reading materials, or other inappropriate objects.
10. I will not possess, use, or threaten to use any object to injure another person or myself (e.g. knives/sharp objects, guns, weapons). The Diocese has in place a Search & Seizure Policy (available on request and on diocesan website).
11. If I become aware of any violation of this Code of Conduct by another person, it is my responsibility to notify my supervising adult as soon as possible.
GRADES 6-12 CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PARISH-, SCHOOL-, & DIOCESAN-SPONSORED ACTIVITIES WITH YOUTH
The Offices of Catholic Schools, Faith Formation, and Youth Ministry provide opportunities for young people from all over the Diocese of Owensboro to encounter and follow Jesus Christ, building a community of faith that empowers them to go forth as missionary disciples. With these goals in mind, we have certain expectations of the children, youth, and adults who participate.
1. I understand that young people participating in the Church’s youth activities (under 18 or any older youth still participating in highschool level activities) are under the care of supervisory adults, who are responsible for knowing and following diocesan policy. I will be cooperative and respect their role.
2. I will remain at the event for its duration unless organizers have received expressed permission from my parent/guardian.
3. I will respect the rights of all. I will treat everyone with respect, courtesy, dignity, patience, and integrity. If assisting an adult, I will use positive reinforcement with younger children and not threaten, demean, or degrade others.
4. I will present myself in a way that promotes a good reputation for my school/parish/family and me. This includes attire appropriate to the activity (e.g. modesty, logos, etc).
5. I will treat property with care. If something is damaged, I will tell a supervisory adult.
6. I will avoid posing any health risk to others (i.e. fevers or other contagious situations).
7. I understand the use of cell phones and other electronic devices is discouraged, unless a supervisory adult grants permission. Any technology use should reflect the goals and mission of the activity.
8. I will not possess or use tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs. I will not possess or use pornographic or other inappropriate videos, reading materials, or other objects.
9. I will not possess, use, or threaten to use any object to injure another person or myself (e.g. knives/sharp objects, guns, weapons). The Diocese has in place a Search & Seizure Policy (available on request and on diocesan website).
10. If I am being hurt or if I become aware that anyone else is being hurt emotionally/verbally/physically, I will notify a supervisory adult.
11. I understand in extreme cases of misconduct, my parent/guardian and legal authorities will be notified, regardless of the time. In these cases parents/guardians will be financially and/or physically responsible for participant’s transportation home from school/event. I understand I am subject to diocesan search and seizure policies (available upon request and on diocesan website).
12. If I become aware of any violation of this Code of Conduct by anyone, it is my responsibility to notify a supervisory adult as soon as possible.
Adult Code of Conduct for the Diocese of Owensboro
The Diocese of Owensboro works to incorporate child protection considerations into all Church-related activities. For youth events there should always be a minimum of two Safe Environment-cleared adults. (See diocesan sexual abuse policy, Article 12.5.5.) Supervisory adults agree to complete background checks, take Safe Environment training, and accept specific responsibilities whenever they have minors in their care for parish, school, or other diocesan activities. Supervisory and non-supervisory adults are expected to know and follow diocesan policy in their Church-related interactions with youth. Adult non-supervisory attendees and young people participating in the Church’s youth activities (under 18 or any older youth still participating in high-school level activities) are expected to accept direction from and uphold the appropriate authority of the supervisory adults. As an adult interacting with young people in these activities, I agree to the following:
1. I will treat everyone with respect, courtesy, and consideration consistent with the mission of the Catholic Church and the Diocese of Owensboro. I will not allow discriminatory behavior based on race or national origin.
2. I will avoid situations where I am alone with a minor or vulnerable adult, other than my own children. I understand that at least two supervisory adults should be present when there are minors or vulnerable adults present.
3. I will ensure that any one-on-one meetings with a minor or vulnerable adult are held in a public area or in a visible area such as in an office with an interior window or an open door so that another person can be present outside the room as a witness. I will avoid meeting in isolated environments.
4. I will not maintain inappropriate and/or exclusive relationships/friendships with a minor or vulnerable adult. If I become aware of a minor/vulnerable adult desiring such a relationship, I will notify the supervisor, pastor, or diocesan Office of Safe Environment requesting assistance, and exercise extra caution.
5. I will remember that when minors or vulnerable adults are entrusted into my care, I have responsibilities for their safety. I am not their peer or buddy.
6. I will use positive reinforcement when working with minors or vulnerable adults. I will not humiliate, ridicule, threaten, demean, or degrade minors or others.
7. I will not use physical discipline for the behavior management of minors or vulnerable adults. No form of physical discipline is acceptable, including physical force as retaliation or correction for inappropriate behavior, except as may be needed to restrain them from inflicting harm on themselves or others.
8. I will communicate with minors or vulnerable adults in group settings for greater transparency, including at least another adult in the communications.
9. When serving in a supervisory role, I will be present and readily available during the entire event(s), take part in enforcing the rules, and assist as needed.
10. I will maintain appropriate physical boundaries with the individuals with whom I work. I will never touch anyone in my care in a sexual or other inappropriate manner. (Programs provided to children who require bathroom/diapering assistance will clearly communicate procedures with children’s parents/ guardians.)
11. I will maintain appropriate emotional boundaries, recognizing my own vulnerability as well as the vulnerability of any minor or vulnerable adult with whom I work.
12. I will not use, possess, or be under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or any illegal drugs in Church settings involving minors or vulnerable adults. In addition I will also not inappropriately use any legal drug or mood-altering substance in this setting. Form D-4 (Page 1 of 2) Form D-4: Adult Code of Conduct (Rev. 2/2019)
13. I will not provide, or allow any minor to use, any alcoholic beverage, tobacco, or illegal drugs. Neither will I provide anything prohibited by law to anyone in my care. Medications of any kind may be administered to minors only with written parental/guardian permission.
14. I understand that the possession of firearms for the transportation, events, meetings, to include all participation etc., involving youth and adults is strictly prohibited.
15. I will not have any sexually explicit or morally inappropriate materials on Church property or in the presence of minors or vulnerable adults. Such materials include, but are not limited to: magazines, videos, films, recordings, music, computer software, games, or printed material.
16. I will not use profanity or engage with minors or vulnerable adults in topics of conversation or discussion, vocabulary or any other form of personal interaction or entertainment that could not reasonably be used in the presence of parents or a responsible adult.
17. I will not engage in sexually oriented conversations with minors or vulnerable adults except in the context of sharing the Church’s teaching on human sexuality.
18. I will be transparent and communicate with supervisors regarding gift-giving between me and a minor or their parent/guardian because the giving of gifts and privileges is sometimes misinterpreted or offered inappropriately.
19. I will provide only accepted overnight accommodations for minors or vulnerable adults (as noted in diocesan policy requirements).
20. I will avoid posing any known health risk to others (e.g. fevers or other contagious situations).
21. I will be responsible and /or accountable for taking care of all property and resources entrusted to me.
22. I will always report any suspected abuse according to Kentucky law. I understand that the failure to report suspected abuse (of a current minor or vulnerable adult) to civil authorities is punishable by law.
23. I will cooperate fully in any investigation of abuse.
24. I promise to help enforce the Codes of Conduct for Children and Youth (Forms D-1, D-2, and D-3) and to set a good example. I will notify the appropriate supervisor of violations of the youth Codes when necessary.
25. If I become aware of anyone violating this Adult Code of Conduct and can address the issue directly, I will do so; however, if I am unable to or if the violation is serious, I will report that violation to the appropriate level of supervisor or to the diocesan Office of Safe Environment for the safety of all. I understand that the Diocese of Owensboro has a Safe Environment Policy that includes more details regarding adult interactions with youths. I agree to follow that policy and this Code of Conduct as a condition of my employment by the diocese and/or involvement with the Diocese of Owensboro youth activities. I understand that if my behavior is inconsistent with diocesan policy and this Code of Conduct or if I fail to take action mandated by this Code of Conduct, it may result in my removal as an employee or volunteer working with children and/or youths.