St. Joseph's Parish Family
Youth Protection Policy
Saint Joseph Parish wants all parents and guardians to know that the safety and well-being of all children is the first and most important concern of our parish.
We have always taken great care and sensible precautions to insure this safety and always remain open to suggestions to make improvements. We feel that in these troubling times of crisis in our Church it is time to make a serious review of all our procedures and make them available for all to consider and make contributions where improvements can be made.
The following is a summary of key points of the procedures and precautions that make up our safe atmosphere for worship, social and faith formation activities. As always, your comments and suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
*1. Effective February 1, 2003, anyone over 18 years old working with St. Joseph’s youth in any capacity must complete a 3-hour program called “Protecting God’s Children” licensed to the Archdiocese of Boston by the National Catholic Risk Retention Group, Inc. Any adult parishioner is welcome to attend this program by reservation. Session listings are posted in the Church bulletin and are commonly referred to as the CAP program (Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Program). The Parish CAP Team are professionals who have volunteered their time in service to Saint Joseph’s.
2. All parents or caretakers are always welcome to attend any function or activity in which their child is involved. All participation may be observed, none will be secretive.
3. No one-on-one contact between adult and youth is permitted. Private conversation issues such as penance or counseling involving children or adults may be held in open areas which provide comfort and propriety.
4. Adequate adult supervision will be provided for all group events. When youth leaders are involved, adults will be present to guide and train where necessary. Appropriate conduct and safety will be required of all participants.
6. All adults involved with youth are required to complete and submit a CORI form and be subject to a background check. Positions of greater responsibility require more in depth history and background checks and these positions will be given additional training on recognizing and reporting child abuse.
7. Respect for privacy. Adult leaders must respect the privacy of youth in situations such as changing clothes, rest rooms and shower facilities at overnight events such as retreats, ski trips, camping trips etc. and intrude only to the extent that health and safety require. Adults must assure their own privacy in these situations as well. When separate restroom and shower facilities are not available for male and female, separate times should be maintained and posted when possible.
8. Separate accommodations. No youth is permitted to sleep in or enter the sleeping accommodations of adults at any time. In large dorm room situations, adult leaders or chaperones are permitted to remain in a supervisory capacity as long as appropriate space and visibility can be provided.
9. Permission forms are required for each and every outside-the-Parish event. These will be available from each leader and are also available on the Parish Web site: http://www.stjosephkingston.com/
Parent/Guardian Involvement
We all share the responsibility for the safety of our children. If we all work together to maintain and improve the safe atmosphere of our parish, we will continue to share the love of Christ and grow together in our faith community.
If ever you have comments, concerns or issues to discuss, please contact the Religious Education office at (781) 585-6372, the Parish office at (781) 585-6679 or any member of the Parish Council. All information will be treated in a serious, respectful and confidential manner. All clergy, paid professionals and catechists are classified as mandated reporters by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Chapter 107.
* Addendum 10/2003 Religious Ed. Office
Download the policy for yourself.
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