Diocese of San Bernardino - docyp.org

1 SAFE ENVIRONMENT POLICY FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE Diocese of San Bernardino Teen Training PRE-EVALUATION DID YOU KNOW? Abusers many times threaten their victims. AND Most children are abused by someone they know and trust. SOM BEHAVIORAL INDICATORS May show a sudden change in personality such as uncharacteristic aggression or rage. May become withdrawn or fearful of others. May develop Eating Disorders, or become addicted to Alcohol or Drugs. May become anxious or depressed. May experience nightmares or other sleep disorders. May have difficulty with attention, especially in school. BEHAVIORAL INDICATORS CON T.

2 They may not have the vocabulary to explain what happened. They may feel ashamed or threatened They may feel that adults will not listen to them. They may feel that they are to blame for the abuse. They may block memories because of the trauma. ADULTS MAY TRIVIALIZE ABUSE ISSUES BECAUSE: They do not understand the impact sexual abuse has on the victim, their families and the community. They would rather escape than face the tragedy of sexual abuse. They fear the legal consequences. They fear being ostracized or rejected by society and/or family. They do not want to recognize the rights of children. DID YOU KNOW ? Incidences of child sexual abuse happen because society ignores and disregards the exploitation of our children?

3 I INTRODUCTION Tend the flock that God has entrusted to you; watch over examples that the whole flock can 1 Peter 5:2-3 Dignity of all demands that we provide a safe environment for all. Our mission states that we do not condone or accept abuse or harassment of any kind. I. INTRODUCTION Every person who ministers in the name of the Diocese of San Bernardino must abide by all established safeguards. This provides: Protection for all minors, clergy, employees and volunteers. II CODE OF PASTORAL CONDUCT Catholic values and conduct must be upheld by all Before beginning service in the Diocese of San Bernardino the following training is required: 1.

4 Diocese of San Bernardino Safe Environment Policy for the Protection of Children and Young People and Diocesan Code of Pastoral Conduct. 2. California Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting Law These trainings must be renewed every 5 years. AFFIDAVIT Between the original training (year 1) and the renewal training (year 5), an annual affidavit must be signed by all who are required to complete Safe Environment training. This signed affidavit acknowledges that the individual has a continued understanding and responsibility for this Policy. IV. BACKGROUND CHECKS oRequired for all clergy & employees. Meet criteria for California Department of Justice (DOJ) Live Scan fingerprinting oRequired for adult volunteers who have regular contact with children.

5 Meet the criteria for current background screening. V. SUPERVISION OF MINORS A. Two Adult Rule Any gathering of minors requires at least 2 adults for supervision before, during and after the gathering. Everyone must meet the Safe Environment criteria: - complete all required training - meet the criteria for a background check V. SUPERVISION OF MINORS B. Windows and Open Doors To ensure a safe environment on our premises for both minors and adults, the Diocese of San Bernardino requires the following for areas where activities for children occur: A door with a window that allows anyone outside the room to observe inside the room without having to open the door or The door will remain open to any room where there isn t a window that will allow observation.

6 V. SUPERVISION OF MINORS C. Planned Supervision All elements of a program, activity or outing offered through the Diocese of San Bernardino must be planned for carefully and reviewed to ensure that children are supervised before, during, and after the event, until all children are returned to their parents/guardians or are off the parish or school premises. D. OVERNIGHT RULE & E. CHILD CARE DURING AN EVENT All Supervisors must: 1. Have a completed background check on file 2. Have completed all required Safe Environment training. 3. Where there are both male and female minor participants, there must be at least two supervisors of both genders represented. 4.

7 Children will be released only to those authorized on the emergency card to pick them up. F. PARENTAL PERMISSION and staff must have written parental permission to be alone with a minor or to allow a minor to leave the premises, a field trip. an emergency permission may be given by a phone conversation. - have 2 people listen to the conversation - transcribe the conversation and both sign the transcription - inform the parent of the signed document - send a copy of the signed transcription with the child s chaperone. G. MINORS VOLUNTEERING IN PARISHES Must be in a visible area. Must be in visual contact with the supervising adult Must be informed how to contact their supervisor and the location of the supervisor.

8 Supervisors must meet criteria for background checks and have completed all Safe Environment training. H. SAFEGUARDS IF ADVICE IS GIVEN The Windows and Open Door Policy must be followed. Those working with minors must never overstep their bounds. They should have access to referral material for any minor who asks for help. The Code of Pastoral Conduct must be followed. I. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS A regular Independent Contractor (person(s) contracted orally or in writing to provide a service to the Diocese , Parish, or Church organization on a regular basis) must comply with ALL Safe Environment training and background check requirements. Examples are: gardeners, musicians, etc.

9 J. BUDDY SYSTEM Minors are encouraged to always have a buddy accompany them whenever leaving the classroom or main activity. Minors are never to leave a supervised area and go to an area that is not properly supervised. VI. PARISH PLAN FOR SAFE ENVIRONMENT Each parish must have a Parish Plan that explains: 1. ongoing training for both adults and children. 2. supervision plan for arrival, class time and dismissal of all minors. 3. identify the responsible person for all documentation information 4. last page with appropriate signatures & the date for the annual review VII. ACCOUNTABILITY Everyone: adult and young adult, clergy, employee and/or volunteer, is responsible to implement the Diocesan Safe Environment Policies and procedures.

10 It is necessary to report violations of this policy, the Code of Pastoral Conduct, other Diocesan policies, or any applicable Laws of the State of California. VII. ACCOUNTABILITY To report Suspected Child Abuse call: Director, Riverside County CPS Agency 800 Number: 800-442-4918 Director, San Bernardino County CPS Agency 800 Number: 800-827-8724 VII. ACCOUNTABILITY To report at the Diocese : Diocesan Hotline 888-206-9090 Vicar General, 909-475-5120 Human Resources Director, 909-475 5177 Superintendent of Schools, 909-475-5437 Victim s Assistance Coordinator 909-855-2296 Office of Child & Youth Protection 909-475-5128 VII.