DIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY-ST. JOSEPH

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2 DIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY-ST. JOSEPH Physical Address 20 West 9th Street Kansas City, MO Mailing Address P.O. Box Kansas City, MO Youth Office Youth Office Youth Office Website Fax Diocesan Website Diocesan Phone Human Rights Office ext. 532 Bishop Helmsing Institute ext. 250 Diocesan School Office ext. 274 Family Life Office ext. 551 Insurance Office ext. 238 Office of Worship ext. 257 Staff: Jon Schaffhausen (816) Director of Youth Ministry Shayna Deitchman Administrative Assistant 1

3 Table of Contents DIRECTOR S LETTER...3 YOUTH MINISTRY OVERVIEW AND VISION...4 A VISION OF PARISH YOUTH MINISTRY...5 SAMPLE JOB DESCRIPTION...8 GETTING STARTED AS THE DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRY...10 BUILDING THE LEADERSHIP TEAM...11 SAMPLE VOLUNTEER JOB DESCRIPTION...12 SAMPLE QUESTIONS FOR INTERVIEWING VOLUNTEERS...12 SETTING UP YOUR VOLUNTEER TEAM FOR SUCCESS...13 PROTECTING ALL GOD S CHILDREN...14 GENERAL CONDUCT POLICIES...15 MANDATED REPORTING...16 IF A CHILD DIVULGES ABUSE...16 WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT ABUSE OR NEGLECT OF A CHILD IN MISSOURI...17 VIRTUS/PROTECTING GOD S CHILDREN...18 POLICY FOR USE OF SOCIAL NETWORKS,...19 DIOCESAN FORMS...23 VOLUNTEER INFORMATION FORM...23 VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT...25 CODE OF CONDUCT FOR YOUTH MINISTERS...26 CODE OF CONDUCT FOR YOUTH...27 PARTICIPATION FORM FOR YOUTH MINISTRY EVENTS...29 PARTICIPATION FORM FOR YOUTH MINISTRY EVENTS...30 FORMA PARA PARTICIPACION EN EVENTOS DEL MINISTERIO DE LA JUVENTUD...32 VOLUNTEER DRIVER INFORMATION SHEET...34 MEDICAL EXAMINATION FOR DIOCESAN DRIVERS...35 REQUEST FOR CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE FOR LEASED VEHICLE(S)...36 DRIVER FACT SHEET...37 PUBLIC LIABILITY REPORT...38 PARTICIPANT ACCIDENT REPORT FORM

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5 Youth Ministry Overview and Vision Office of Youth Ministry Mission Statement The Office of Youth Ministry of the Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph Missouri assists the bishop and local parishes in bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to all young people and inspiring them to live as His disciples. Overview The Office of Youth Ministry is part of the Intergenerational Ministries Offices which include Family Life, Young Adult and Campus Ministry. Youth ministry, broadly defined, refers to the total efforts of the Christian community to lead young people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, in and through the life of the Church, especially the Sacrament of the Eucharist. If in the past, the faith of the family was passed on more or less automatically to children, today there are so many messages that vie for teen's attention that a personal encounter with Christ can never be taken for granted. It is not uncommon that even after years of religious education and/or Catholic schooling, a relationship with Christ is still missing and basic tenants of the Church remain foreign ideas. One thing is for sure; it is not for want of loving and passionate catechists and teachers. Nevertheless, one of the greatest blessings and advantages of youth ministry is that it provides a space and time where the youth are welcomed exactly as they are, i.e., they don t need the right answers or have to feign faith. It is a place where faith-filled adults can show unconditional love and acceptance to teens that may be in the midst of doubts and brokenness. In our sound bite, Twittering culture awash in superficiality, the surefire way to make disciples is the same as it was 2000 years ago: the gift of the time, attention and love of one person to another as a concrete expression of God s love and presence. In the earliest book of the New Testament, St. Paul wrote: "So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us" (1 Thes 2:8). Pope John Paul II, commenting on the fruits of the World Youth Days, summarizes the mission and path of youth ministry today: [Young people] ask us to lead them to Christ, the only One who has words of eternal life (cf Jn 6,68). Listening to young people and teaching them, requires attention, time and wisdom. Youth ministry is one of the Church's priorities on the threshold of the third millennium. This is the basis of evangelization. Of course, youth ministry consists of more than evangelization. Other essentials include: catechesis, community life, justice and service and all the components listed in Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry. 4

6 CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY-ST.JOSEPH OFFICE OF YOUTH MINISTRY A Vision of Parish Youth Ministry (August, 2011) I think of the special love with which Jesus is looking upon you. Yes, the Lord loves you and calls you his friends (cf. Jn 15:15). He goes out to meet you and he wants to accompany you on your journey, to open the door to a life of fulfillment and to give you a share in his own closeness to the Father. For our part, we have come to know the immensity of his love and we want to respond generously to his love by sharing with others the joy we have received. - Pope Benedict XVI, to the youth at the Closing Mass of World Youth Day, Madrid, 2011 We envision a growing and vibrant Youth Ministry Program for our diocesan parishes in which: Each parish supports youth ministry by having an identified or salaried Director of Youth Ministry (DYM) and a Core Team of volunteers. 5 Youth experience, in the adult leadership, a visible, joyfully-lived relationship with Christ which encourages them to seek the same. The celebration of Eucharist and liturgy is central to the formation of youth. Systematic catechesis based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church provides the youth with the experiences of Catholic sacraments, devotions, prayers and traditions. Comprehensive ministry includes the themes of prayer and worship, evangelization, catechesis, community life, leadership, service, pastoral care, and advocacy. Parents are empowered, involved, and educated in their role as the primary catechists of their teenage children. All young people from all cultures feel welcomed and valued. DYM and volunteers are offered continued training and formation opportunities and work toward a possible certification program. DYM and volunteers are supported in their personal spiritual lives and encouraged to practice regular prayer, reception of the sacraments, and spiritual direction. Youth are encouraged and invited to participate in Diocesan, national, and international events that expose them to the larger, universal Catholic Church. Diocesan regulations regarding the safety of young people are communicated, followed and documented.

7 Renewing the Vision Overview The following information is taken from the Renewing the Vision : A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry, approved and authorized for publication by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops on June 20, To order the full document in English or Spanish or any other USCC documents, call or go to the US Bishops internet site at Fifteen years after its publication, Renewing the Vision is still a guiding document for anyone involved in Catholic Youth Ministry today. You should read it, refer to it often and use it to help evaluate youth ministry in your parish. By referring to the 8 Components you can ensure that your ministry is comprehensive and well-balanced. On the other hand, take into account that not all of the components are equal in importance: Prayer and Worship, which includes inviting teens to a fuller participation in the Mass, must always be the source and summit of our ministry. Evangelization and catechesis are the other two primary attributes of youth ministry and should be given special focus in your program. When youth ministry is characterized by a vibrant sacramental life, passionate evangelization and solid catechesis, the other components are able to bear their fullest fruit. Goals for Youth Ministry are as follows: Goal 1: To empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today. Goal 2: To draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community. Goal 3: To foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person. Comprehensive Ministry with Adolescents It Takes a Whole Church: The comprehensive approach is not a single program or model of ministry; it is a way of integrating ministry with adolescents and their families into the total life and mission of the church. The comprehensive approach uses all of our resources as a faith community people, ministries, and programs in a common effort to promote the three goals of the Church s ministry with adolescents. Components of a Comprehensive Ministry: Ministry of Advocacy: The ministry of advocacy encourages the Church to examine its practice of fully integrating adolescents into the life of the church. How are the voices of the young people honored and heard in the Church? How are the gifts, talents, and energy of young people respected and utilized within our faith community? It is imperative that the Church models what it advocates for society. Ministry of Catechesis: Genuine faith is total response of the whole person, mind, heart, and will. The ministry of catechesis fosters growth in the Catholic faith in all three dimensions; trusting (heart), knowing and believing (mind), and doing (will). The ministry of catechesis recognizes that faith development is a lifelong process. The ministry of catechesis recognizes many learning methods however emphasizes the need to share the core content of Catechism of the Catholic Church with our youth to build a solid foundation and promote continued growth. 6

8 Ministry of Community Life: The ministry of community life builds as environment of love, support, appreciation for diversity, and judicious acceptance that models Catholic principles: develops meaningful relationships; and nurtures Catholic faith. Community life is nurtured when the atmospheres is welcoming, comfortable, safe, and predictable-one in which all adolescents know that their presence is welcomed, their energy is appreciated, and their contributions are valued. Community life is enhanced when all leaders promote and model an attitude that is authentic, positive, accepting, and understanding assuring all young people that they are valued and cared for as gifted individuals. Community life is encouraged when our actions are inviting, supportive, and gospel-based. Community life is created when activities build trust and encourage relationships, and are age-appropriate. Ministry of Evangelization: The ministry of evangelization incorporates several essential elements: witness, outreach, proclamation, invitation, conversion, and discipleship. Evangelization is the energizing core of all ministries with adolescents. All the relationships, ministry components, and programs of comprehensive ministry with adolescents must proclaim the Good News. They must invite young people into a deeper relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and empower them to live as his disciples. Ministry of Justice and Service: Our faith calls us to work for justice; to serve those in need; to pursue peace; and to defend the life, dignity, and rights of all our sisters and brothers. The ministry of justice and service nurtures in young people a social consciousness and a commitment to a life of justice and service rooted in their faith in Jesus Christ, in the Scriptures, and in Catholic social teaching; empowers young people to work for justice by concrete efforts to address the causes of human suffering; and infuses the concepts of justice, peace and human dignity into all ministry efforts. Ministry of Leadership Development: The ministry of leadership development calls forth, affirms, and empowers the diverse gifts, talents, and abilities of adults and young people in our faith communities for comprehensive ministry with adolescents. Leadership role in adolescent ministry are key. Leaders must be trained and encouraged. This approach involves a wide diversity of adults and youth leaders in a variety of roles. Many will be involved in direct ministry with adolescents; others will provide support services and yet others will link the ministry efforts to the resources of the broader community. Ministry of Pastoral Care: The ministry of pastoral care is a compassionate presence in imitation of Jesus care of people, especially those who were hurting and in need. The ministry of Pastoral care involves promoting positive adolescent and family development through a variety of positive (preventive) strategies; caring for adolescents and families in crisis through support, counseling, and referral to appropriate community agencies; providing guidance as young people face life decisions and make moral choices; and challenging systems that are obstacles to positive development (advocacy). Pastoral care is most fundamentally a relationship-a ministry of compassionate presence. Ministry of Prayer and Worship: The ministry of prayer and worship celebrates and depends young people s relationship with Jesus Christ through the bestowal of grace, communal prayer and liturgical experiences; it awakens their awareness of the spirit at work in their lives; it incorporates young people more fully into the sacramental life of the Church, especially Eucharist; it nurtures the personal prayer life of young people; and it fosters family rituals and prayer. 7

9 Sample Job Description This job description was written for a 40-hour week position. If you do not work 40 hours a week, you may need to delegate items as necessary. Title: Supervisor: Coordinator of Parish Youth Ministry Pastor Primary function of this position: The parish Youth Minister assists the Pastor in leading young people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ in and through the life of the Church, especially the Sacrament of the Eucharist. This is accomplished through relational ministry, personal holiness, catechesis and evangelization, service to the community and fun. As Renewing the Vision states, youth ministry should: Empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today. Draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission and work of the Catholic faith community. Foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person. Duties of the Job Be a model disciple of Jesus Christ. This includes: daily prayer, weekly Mass, frequent Confession, spiritual direction (if possible), and continued spiritual reading. A certain transparency of life is assumed when working in ministry. Under the direct supervision of the pastor, coordinate, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive youth ministry program for grades seven through twelve. This program is to include aspects of the components of catechesis/formation, advocacy for youth and their families, community life, evangelization, justice and service aspects, leadership development, pastoral care and prayer and worship opportunities. Recruit, train, motivate and evaluate all peer and adult volunteers; works in collaboration the with Diocese to provide leadership training for all volunteers moving them toward diocesan certification; supervise and evaluate all volunteers yearly; offer sexual misconduct training, maintain records on each. Optional: [Coordinate and supervise sacramental processes for adolescent families in collaboration with other parish staff; plan and facilitate a Confirmation program for adolescents according to Diocesan guidelines.] Supervise and train retreat teams to provide retreats for volunteers, teens and their families; facilitate and evaluate the retreats. Become familiar with diocesan safe environment requirements and is responsible for training of adults and children within youth ministry. Schedule yearly safety training required by the Diocese and the Charter for youth 8

10 Maintain a budget and functional youth ministry office; prepare, submit, and administer a proposed budget each year, maintain accurate financial records as required by parish policy. Maintain regular communication with teens and their families through bulletin, mailing and contact opportunities, participate in the parish registration process, and maintain accurate records on youth and their families. Work in collaboration with other parish staff and parish ministries in scheduling, visioning, planning and implementing activities, events and processes that overlap into other areas of other staff responsibility. These include, but are not limited to: Confirmation preparation, religious education, Scouting, and, if present, the parish school. Engage in ongoing professional formation; keep informed of trends in youth ministry, theology and methodology in ministry, participate in diocesan workshops and seminars, and courses in methodology and theology where needed, participate in local and regional organizations as related to education and formation in the field. Maintain a good working relationship with the wider civic community at large. Perform any other position related tasks as deemed necessary or assigned by the pastor. Job Requirements Bachelor s degree in Religious Education or Theology OR National Credential in Youth Ministry OR background in theology and educational methodologies with a willingness to move toward credential or degree. Knowledge of all Diocesan guidelines and procedures. Proficiency in use of variety of office equipment. Minimum of three years experience in working with adolescents. Faithful to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. Exhibit excellent organizational, written and verbal communication skills. Training Provided Classes in theology and pastoral care available from the Bishop Helmsing Institute Diocesan in-service for sexual misconduct class, Youth Ministry policies and procedures. Diocesan mentor assigned as requested 9

11 Getting Started as the Director of Youth Ministry First Tasks for New Youth Ministers Pray to God for the needed guidance. Discuss your programs and job description with your pastor and staff. Visit with the previous Youth Minister if possible. Visit with your program s volunteers and leadership. Pray to God for patience. Find and take a look at the parish handbook. Define and write down the goals for your program. Write out the calendar of events for your program make sure they support the goals you defined in #7. 9. Send a letter to teens and parents introducing yourself and your goals, vision and hopes. 10. Network and gather support and fellowship from other Youth Ministers in your diocese. 10 Things You Should Know About Youth Ministry 1. Prayer is the most important task for every single day. 2. Now that you work for a parish, people will assume you know everything and have access to everything. Try to learn as much as you can as soon as you can. 3. The secretary and/or custodian should become your new best friends. They seem to know and have access to everything when you have questions. 4. Almost everyone is willing to help if you are willing to ask. 5. It s never too early to start looking for volunteers. Personal invitations are the best way to go. If you are unfamiliar with parishioners, ask your pastor and staff for ideas of good volunteers. 6. Parents are vital to the success of your program; keep them updated on everything. 7. Send your schedule out as early as possible. This ensures that youth group activities are on schedules and hopefully will preempt other events. 8. Teens love the sound of their own names. Learn their names and use them in every greeting possible. 9. Grab the parish directory and learn to attach names and faces. 10. Remember that youth ministry is a marathon not a sprint. Youth Ministry Random Advice Read Sirach 2. A lot. Make sure everything you plan is prepared in prayer. Ask God to lead your programs for you. Spend time in Adoration and attend Mass regularly. Make reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation a regular habit. 5. Listen. and your programs will thrive. 10

12 Building the Leadership Team Steps on How to Prepare a Volunteer for Youth Ministry 1. Volunteer Job Description. Create a volunteer job description (see page 12 for a sample). Hand out copies to potential volunteers. 2. Interview Volunteers. Interview volunteers to see if they are a good fit for your program. (See sample questions on page 12) 3. Complete Information form and Code of Conduct. This is to be completed and submitted to individual s Parish/School Office, to be maintained on file. (Found on pages 24-27) 4. Employee/Volunteer Criminal Background Check Authorization. Have all volunteers complete authorization waiver (Found on page 29) 6. Attend VIRTUS Seminar Everyone working with youth must attend a VIRTUS seminar. More information can be found on page

13 Sample Volunteer Job Description Qualities Practices the Catholic faith. Knows and supports the teachings of the Catholic Church. Is prayerful. Is comfortable relating to young people and genuinely likes teens. Able to make a commitment and follow through. Willing to serve and put others first. Able to listen to and be available to teens. Is enthusiastic. Has a sense of humor. Is trustworthy; must be of good character, reputation, background and record. General Responsibilities Cooperates with the Coordinator of Youth Ministry in implementing the goals and objectives of the parish youth program. Participates in training opportunities as suggested or recommended by Parish Coordinator of Youth Ministry. Is punctual and prepared for each meeting. Notifies the Coordinator of Youth Ministry when there is a need to be absent. Follows the Coordinator s rules of discipline. Spends time talking to youth and sharing their faith. Helps with set up and clean up. Recognizes the importance of non-church events in the lives of young people and acknowledges (or attends) and affirms special activities (concerts, plays, sporting events, etc.) when possible. Makes a special effort to acknowledge special times in your teens lives (birthdays, achievements, etc.). Meet and spends quality time with new teens. Ensures the safety and supervision of youth in all activities If a volunteer s behavior is in conflict with the teachings of the Church, the adult volunteer is asked to leave. Sample Questions for Interviewing Volunteers What has your faith journey been like? Why do you feel called to youth ministry? Because I like working with kids is NOT a good answer. Why does he/she like working with kids? Do you accept all of the teachings of the Catholic Church? Are there any teachings with which you have difficulty accepting? Will you be able to faithfully and wholeheartedly teach all of the teachings of the Catholic Church? What are your strengths? In what areas do you need to grow? Describe your prayer life. What do you believe is the relationship between prayer and ministry? What are your hobbies? How do you recharge? Describe yourself in a few words, especially your spiritual & sacramental & professional life. e.g. what role does the Mass & Confession & spiritual reading & prayer play in your life? Tell us about your most recent job, what did you like about it? What questions do you have? 12

14 Setting Up Your Volunteer Team for Success 1. Making your Volunteer Team your priority The teens are the priority for your volunteers, so make the volunteers your priority It s easier to invest in teens than your volunteers, so it takes purpose and planning Witnessing your own faith journey to your volunteer team is key 2. Praying for your volunteer team Pray for each member of your volunteer team by name daily Always pray for more volunteers while you are praying with your volunteers 3. Starting off strong Get to know your volunteers, ask them to tell their faith journey stories, and listen Share the story of your ministry including its purpose, mission and vision Discuss the commitment level and consider a trial run in the program Inform them of policy of mutual discernment they are learning about the program and we are learning about them Create a list of expectations for volunteers and have them agree to them in writing 4. Loving them through ongoing relationship This is very hard, especially with veteran volunteers Be sure you are there for them, not just using them as simple volunteers Volunteer members know they are respected when you ask them for feedback 5. Knowing their strengths Set them up for success Ask them What do you enjoy? and What gives you life? 6. Keeping them informed Prepare a complete agenda with times, questions, group leaders, locations, all details, etc. Meet 30 minutes before event to go over event details and agenda Identify the greeter and small group questions 7. Helping the teens get to know the Volunteer Team Invite team members into conversations, try to make connections Introduce volunteers to youth with having them stand up and identify names with faces Have new video introduction each week be creative with video introductions (TMZ style, etc.) 8. Creating community within your Volunteer Team Shoot for monthly gatherings, hanging out, social events 9. Conducting ongoing formation Go back to the basics: The Catechism of the Catholic Church Provide a variety of options using all resources available 10. Affirming your Volunteer Team Send letters, note cards after big events Ask the teens to share their personal messages with volunteers about impact of their ministry Foster ownership of the program 13

15 Protecting All God s Children We are all too aware of the pain and devastation that results from child sexual abuse within the Church. As a youth ministry leader in your parish, you have a particular responsibility to ensure the safety and protection of the youth in your care and to protect yourself from compromising situations and false accusations. From many hard lessons, the Church has developed a rigorous set of protocol and procedures to create a safe environment at all parish and diocesan events where the risk to youth and adults alike is reduced to minimum. We have tried to make our diocesan guidelines as clear as possible so that you will be able to properly implement these policies in your program. Checklist of basic responsibilities for a Youth Minister and a Youth Ministry Volunteer: Youth Minister Volunteer What to do What to do Sign Code of Conduct Attend Protecting God s Children Have a background check completed If paid, complete online Virtus bulletins Create an official Facebook page according to the Social Media Policy (found on page 19) Complete and turn in form on volunteers Complete and turn in form on Praesidium Ensure volunteers have completed all requirements Call Mary Fran Horton -introduce yourself and get on her list Sign Code of Conduct Attend Protecting God s Children Have a background check completed Be trained on the Social Media Policy (found on page 19) Websites: Virtus Charter for Protection of Youth - Praesidium - Important Phone Numbers Jennifer Valenti, Ombudsman, Public Liaison Officer Contact if you suspect abuse by Church or School officials (more info on procedures on page _) (816) Leslie Guillot, Victims' Advocate Contact to discuss past abuse (816) Missouri Division of Family Services, Child Abuse Hotline (800)

16 General Conduct Policies Basic overnight sleeping guidelines: Boys and girls must be assigned separate rooms. Chaperones must be in rooms separate from the youth Parents and children may share a room. No other combination of relatives is allowed (e.g., uncle/nephew; grandma/granddaughter, etc ) No unrelated minor may share a room with an adult High school seniors who are 18 may share a room with their peers, however, this exception ends with graduation. Chaperones should monitor rooms until everyone is asleep. Supervision may be necessary throughout the night. Chaperone ratios: The ratio for chaperones to children is 1:10 for day trips and 1:7 for activities lasting more than 12 hours. Two or more adults must be present for events involving children. Under no conditions will a person under 19 (one year out of high school) be used to satisfy the requirement for chaperone. 15

17 Mandated Reporting All youth ministers as well as volunteers who are working in positions of leadership with youth are mandated reporters. This means that you are required to file a report with the Missouri Division of Social Services. Child Abuse Hotline when you have reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect and/or observe a child being subjected to conditions or circumstances that would reasonably result in abuse or neglect. Employees and volunteers in the Catholic Church promise to contact: 1. Child abuse hotline if abuse is suspected, and 2. Law enforcement if immediate safety is in question, and 3. Ombudsman if the suspected abuse involves a representative of the Church. Defining Abuse/Neglect 1. Under Missouri law, child abuse is defined as any physical injury, sexual abuse, or emotional abuse inflicted on a child (a person under eighteen [18] years of age at the time of the report) other than by accidental means by those responsible for his/her care, custody or control except that discipline, including spanking, administered in a reasonable manner is not considered to be child abuse under state law. In this Diocese, however, it is strictly forbidden for any employee to inflict corporal punishment. 2. Under Missouri law, child neglect is defined as any failure to provide the proper and necessary support, education to the extent required by law, nutrition, medical, surgical or any other care necessary for a child s well being. DO: If A Child Divulges Abuse Practice your response before you are in a real situation. Pay attention to your body language. Give the child signals that you are listening actively. Choose your words carefully. Let the child know that it was brave to share something (no matter how minimal) about a difficult subject. Apologize for any pain the reporting person is feeling. Thank the child for telling and change the subject (redirect the child). Relay the disclosure to your supervisor word-for-word exactly as the child stated. If the child s imminent safety is at risk, have them stay and call for police protection. DO NOT Do not act shocked, horrified, scared, etc. Do not tell the child that you will keep the information a secret. Some kids will ask you to promise that you won t tell anyone. Explain to the child that you cannot keep the information a secret because it is not okay for anyone to hurt them and that you need to tell the appropriate persons so that the child can be safe. Do not try to determine for yourself if abuse or neglect occurred. This is the role of child welfare services and the police. Do not attempt to find out details of the abuse. Do not question the child in any way. Do not share this information with friends, relatives, or anyone besides your supervisor. 16

18 What to do if you suspect abuse or neglect of a child in Missouri Any person who has reason to believe that a child is being abused or neglected should make a confidential report to Missouri Division of Family Services within 24 hours. The state provides a toll-free child abuse hotline. Missouri Division of Family Services Child Abuse Hotline (800) Who is a child? A child is any person who has not reached his or her eighteenth (18) birthday. An "abused child" is any child who has been neglected, or sexually, physically, or psychologically injured. What to do if you suspect abuse by church or school personnel In addition to making a report to the proper civil authorities, please make a report to the Ombudsman / Public Liaison Officer. Jenifer Valenti, Ombudsman, Public Liaison Officer (816) Do you need to talk with someone about past abuse? In addition to a wide variety of mental health organizations, the diocese provides a Victims' Advocate to assist you. Victims' Advocate, Leslie Guillot (816) For more information on counseling and other outreach to the victims and the reporting person(s): Catholic Charities Counseling Solutions (816) Toll Free Numbers for Catholic Charities (800) (Kansas City) (800) (St. Joseph) (800) (Warrensburg) 17

19 Virtus/Protecting God s Children What is Virtus? Virtus: Protecting God's Children for Adults is a program adopted by many dioceses to ensure safe environments in all parishes, schools, and diocesan programs. The focus of the training is to increase awareness about the nature of child sexual abuse. The VIRTUS program is an awareness session that includes videos and discussion as well as online training bulletins for employees. To preview the program, see the list of upcoming scheduled workshops or to register, please visit Who should attend these programs? The forums are designed for any adult member of a parish or school community. Additionally, all people who minister with youth in our diocese are required to attend- all priests, deacons, schoolteachers and caregivers, parish Directors of religious education and Youth Ministry and all volunteers in parish and school programs for children and youth. Who leads the sessions? Facilitators trained by Virtus lead the two-and-one-half hour sessions. Sessions are also held in Spanish and Vietnamese as needed. Paid employees working with children are required to read continuing education in the form of monthly online Virtus bulletins. 18

20 Policy for Use of Social Networks, Electronic and Online Communications by Diocesan Employees and Volunteers Policy #210.7 Approved by: Most Reverend Robert W. Finn, DD Approved: November 23, 2011 Effective: January 2012 Introduction Social and business networking tools such as Facebook, Google+, Linked-In, and Twitter provide broad, efficient and economical avenues for collaboration and communication. Social media opens alternative channels to establish strong relationships and to engage in global conversations related to the work of the Church and its core beliefs. As employees and volunteers explore ways to integrate social media tools into communications, the diocese must ensure that its representatives act in ways that are consistent with the mission of the Church. Employees and volunteers should understand that messages and other information posted to social sties whether of a personal, educational or work-related nature are public comments or can become public comments that are attributable to the author. As with other forms of social interaction, these guidelines affirm a diocesan commitment to communicate by means of social networks with: clarity about Church teachings and beliefs, honesty, integrity and charity, regard for the best interests of the Church, and, conformity with diocesan safe environment guidelines and the Codes of Ethical Conduct. It is expected that this policy and these guidelines will evolve as new technologies and social networking tools emerge. Policy for Employees and Volunteers Employees who communicate by means of social media are representatives of the Church and should give witness to the values and teachings of the Church. (See Employee Handbook:, Policies for Computer and Information Systems and Internet / Electronic Communication Usage). Ultimately, the responsibility for personal and professional content resides with the employee. Supervisors have responsibility for making known the Policy for Use of Social Networks and addressing concerns about such use. Volunteers also are representatives of the Church and perform an essential service to the community. Volunteer service is a privilege and not a right. Accordingly, volunteers who fail to comply with these guidelines may forfeit future opportunities to volunteer. Public Information Recognize that information posted to a social network site or online community is or can become public information. Remind other members of your social network or community of your position with the Church. Do not post inappropriate material or comments to your own or any other site and act promptly to remove inappropriate material or comments from your site that are posted by others. 19

21 Model Appropriate Behavior Exercise discretion when using social networks or other online communities for professional and personal communication. Engage business colleagues, community contacts, parishioners, students, and personal acquaintances in a manner befitting the Church. There are fine lines between healthy debate and unhealthy arguments. Frame responses that represent the Church and respect differing points of view. Do not post or send material containing content that is discriminatory, offensive, obscene, threatening, harassing or intimidating to any person. Group Associations Associate with social networking groups and online communities that are consistent with the mission and activities of the Church. Personal Responsibility and Transparency A personal social media or other online site created or hosted by a diocesan employee should reflect Catholic values. The very nature of social networking implies that comments are public statements and are attributable to the individual. Employees using social networks and online communities should do so using their own names, not pseudonyms. Use of Electronic and Web-Based Media With Youth Recognize that adults should maintain appropriate boundaries when using electronic and web-based media to communicate with youth. Because youth are using texting and instant messaging as preferred methods of communication, youth ministers, coaches and teachers may need to utilize these and other new platforms of communication as well, subject to the restrictions described here and in Paragraphs 1 through 14 below. Social network communication between employees and adult volunteers with youth who are or were under the adult s care or supervision in an official activity should occur only on official sites of the diocese, parish or school or through parent- or guardian-approved contact methods, ministry, parish or school. No site shall be operated without the prior written permission of the pastor, principal, or supervisor of the employee or volunteer. Be transparent in all electronic interactions. Exercise sound judgment when communicating and establishing relationships with youth, and do not place yourself into a position which could be viewed as compromising or which could have the appearance of impropriety. Remember to follow safe environment guidelines and Codes of Ethical Conduct always. Adults must be vigilant to protect God's children. Employees and volunteers should set personal profile pages to a "private" setting so that youth do not have access to personal information. Requirements for Establishing Social Networks or Online Communities for the Diocese, Ministry, Parish or a School Participating in social networking or an online community on behalf of the Church is not a right, but rather an opportunity to serve the Church. Establishing a social network or online community or engaging in other forms of electronic or online communications with youth in the name of the diocese, a parish, or a school ministry requires accountability and responsibility. 20

22 Specifically, adult employees and volunteers may engage in communications covered by this policy only if each one of the following terms is met: Sites must display the required Online Code of Conduct for Community Members. (See below). Adults should administer sites established in conjunction with diocesan, church or school ministries. All social networks must have at least two site administrators to ensure monitoring and continuity. Employees and volunteers should not use personal sites: (a) to conduct or view communications with minors who are ore were under their care or supervision in an official activity; or, (b) as the official sites for diocesan, parish or school ministries. Sites must display a logo, image or text identification that associates the information with the diocese, organization, parish, school or office. This identifier should appear on the site to distinguish it as the organization s official site and not that of an individual. Passwords, site names and names of site administrators should be registered in a central location at the diocese, the parish or the school. Each location Chancery, parish and school must appoint an individual to maintain a record of all sites, passwords and site administrators. Postings must comply with copyright rules. Sites must be designated for work-related or ministry purposes. (See Paragraph 5 above). Minors may initiate contact with diocesan or through organizational social networking sites only if the minor s parent or guardian has executed a prior written consent form that substantially conforms to the attached consent form. (See model consent form). One-one-one or private electronic communications including but not limited to , texting, Facebook post, text or audio/video chat room communications, or instant messaging - by employees or adult volunteers with minors is prohibited except to the extent that such communications are explicitly permitted in a written consent form that substantially conforms to the attached model and is executed by the minor s parent or guardian prior to the onset of any such communications. Consent forms shall be maintained in a central location at the diocese, the parish, or the school and shall be executed no less than once per year for each activity, program, class, or event which utilizes or expects to utilize electronic communications between minors and adult employees or volunteers. Diocesan and organizational sites should set permissions to prevent the tagging of pictures or images. Narrations written by site administrators should not use the surnames of minors. Official social networking site and online community administrators are responsible for monitoring the site on a reasonably regular basis depending o the frequency and volume of communications. Administrators are not responsible for monitoring the content of students personal pages or other extraneous material that is accessible only through one or more links or other portals to the official site. Required Text for Online Codes of Conduct The following must be posted to any social networking or online community site developed in the name of the diocese, parish or school: All posts and comments to this site should express Christian charity and respect for the truth. Comments should be on topic and presume the good will of other commentators. Discussions should take place from a faith perspective. No advertising is permissible on this site unless it directly relates to diocesan, parish or school ministries or officially sanctioned events. 21

23 Parental or Guardian Permission for Direct Contact with Minors This form allows you to identify who may communicate with your minor children and by what means. Parent and guardians will be copied into all written or text-based communications except those that occur on an official social networking site or online community administered and maintained by the ministry, parish, or school pursuant to the terms of diocesan policy and approved by parents or guardians on this form. Diocesan Ministry, Organization, Parish or School Completes: (Ministry / Parish / school / Organization) communicates via: (This section must be completed by diocesan ministry, organization, parish or school.) cellular number address social networking site(s) Parent or Guardian Completes: You MAY NOT contact my children directly. (Sign and return). You MAY contact my children directly. (Sign, complete all sections and return). Name (parent / guardian) of minor children Contact with my children is permissible via the following methods: phone call / voice message to this telephone number SMS / text message to this telephone number social networking site sponsored by group named at this address Signature Date 22

24 Diocesan Forms Volunteer Information Form All applicants for any volunteer position involving the supervision or custody of minors should complete this form. This is not an employment application form. Personal DATE: NAME: LAST FIRST MIDDLE Identity must be confirmed with a state driver s license or other photographic identification. Address: City/State: Zip: Home Phone: Please indicate the type of youth or children's work you prefer. Please indicate the date you would be available to begin. What is the minimum length of commitment you can make? Have you ever been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a crime? Yes No If yes, please explain Do you have a current driver's license? Yes No If yes, please list the state and your license number: 23

25 Volunteer Information Form Name of church of which you are a member: How many years? Name of previous church: How many years? List previous church work involving youth: Name of church: Type of work: Contact person: Dates: Phone Number: From: To: Name of church: Type of work: Contact person: Phone Number: Dates: From: To: List previous non-church work involving youth: Name of organization: Type of work: Contact person: Phone Number: Dates: From: To: Name of organization: Type of work: Contact person: Phone Number: Dates: From: To: Personal References (not former employers or relatives) Name: Name: Address: Address: City/State/Zip: City/State/Zip: Telephone: Telephone: I HAVE CAREFULLY READ THE FOREGOING RELEASE AND KNOW THE CONTENTS THEREOF AND I SIGN THIS RELEASE AS MY OWN FREE ACT. I agree not to hold any previous contacts liable for release of any information in connection herewith. Applicant's signature: Date: Witness: Date: 24

26 Volunteer Code of Conduct Our children are the most important gifts God has entrusted to us. As a volunteer, I promise to strictly follow the rules and guidelines in this Volunteer s Code of Conduct as a condition of my providing services to the children and youth of our [parish, school, facility, diocese, etc.]. As a volunteer, I will: Treat everyone with respect, loyalty, patience, integrity, courtesy, dignity, and consideration. Avoid situations where I am alone with children and/or youth at Church activities. Use positive reinforcement rather than criticism, competition, or comparison when working with children and/or youth. Refuse to accept expensive gifts from children and/or youth or their parents without prior written approval from the pastor or administrator. Refrain from giving expensive gifts to children and/or youth without prior written approval from the parents or guardian and the pastor or administrator. Report suspected abuse to the pastor, administrator, or appropriate supervisor and [the local Child Protection Services agency]. I understand that failure to report suspected abuse to civil authorities is, according to the law, a misdemeanor. Cooperate fully in any investigation of abuse of children and/or youth. As a volunteer, I will not: Smoke or use tobacco products in the presence of children and/or youth. 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 children and/or youth (i.e., no fevers or other contagious situations). Strike, spank, shake, or slap children and/or youth. Humiliate, ridicule, threaten, or degrade children and/or youth. Touch a child and/or youth in a sexual or other inappropriate manner. Use any discipline that frightens or humiliates children and/or youth. Use profanity in the presence of children and/or youth. I understand that as a volunteer working with children and/or youth, I am subject to a thorough background check including criminal history. I understand that any action inconsistent with this Code of Conduct or failure to take action mandated by this Code of Conduct may result in my removal as a volunteer with children and/or youth. Volunteer s Printed Name Volunteer s Signature 25 Date

27 Code of Conduct for Youth Ministers As a Youth Ministry leader, I will - Work collaboratively with the pastor and volunteers in ministry - Faithfully represent the teachings of the Catholic Church with integrity in word and action. - Receive education and training commensurate with my role(s) and responsibilities. - Respect the diversity of spiritualities of the faith community and will not make their personal form of spirituality normative. - Recognize the dignity of each person and refrain from behaviors or words that are disrespectful of anyone or any group. - Serve all people without regard to gender, creed, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, socioeconomic status, or political beliefs. - Ensure that all persons have access to the resources, services, and opportunities they require with particular regard for persons with special needs or disabilities. - Be accountable to the pastor and other duly appointed representative, under the authority of the diocesan bishop. - Exercise responsible stewardship of resources while holding myself to the highest standards of integrity regarding the fiscal matters placed in my trust. - Respect confidentiality - Adhere to civil and ecclesial law concerning the reporting of neglect, abuse or when physical harm - Support the rights and roles of parents while ministering to the needs and concerns of youth. - Sustain respectful ministerial relationships, avoiding manipulation and other abuses of power. - Maintain appropriate professional boundaries (e.g., physical, sexual, relational, and emotional). - Model healthy and positive behaviors with adolescents. Procuring, providing, or using alcohol and/or controlled substances for or with adolescents are inappropriate and unethical. - Be aware of my limitations with respect to paraprofessional counseling and make appropriate referrals. As a youth ministry leader, I will not: - Take an overnight trip alone with a child who is not a member of their immediate family without the written permission of a parent or guardian, the approval of the pastor or supervisor and must be accompanied by another responsible adult. As a youth ministry leader, I am aware of and comply with all applicable parish, organizational and/or diocesan policies with special attention to sexual misconduct, safety, transportation, parental permission, and medical emergency policies. Youth Minister s Printed Name Youth Minister s Signature 26 Date