Code of Pastoral Conduct & Sexual Misconduct Policy

APPENDIX IV

Archdiocese of Anchorage

Implementation for the Charter for the Protection of Children and Youth

Policy and Procedures

Date of Policy: February 2, 2005

Purpose: To provide steps for annual implementation of the Charter in the Archdiocese of Anchorage.

I. Diocesan Responsibilities

a. Provide annual training opportunities for:

i. Clergy, Youth Leaders and Religious Education Leaders who work with children and youth. This training would be open to volunteers.

1. Updating of training for Clergy, Youth Leaders and Religious Education Leaders will be required once every three years. Approved education opportunities on related topics of at least three hours every three years related to the topic of abuse and safe environment will be acceptable as having met the updating requirement. Please check with Sr. Charlotte at the Archdiocese for prior approval and if approved, provide documentation of completion to the Archdiocese for the Safe Environment records

ii. Identify and implement annual training program for Catholic School Educators

iii. Identify and implement annual training program for Catholic School Students

b. Complete background checks annually for new volunteers

c. Maintain record of current background checks and provide parishes necessary information to keep their background check records up to date.

i. Backgrounds checks will need to be updated every 5- 7 years.

d. Provide on-going Safe Environment Information and Education to the parents of the diocese via Anchor and Archdiocesan Website

II. Parish Responsibilities

a. Provide annual training for volunteers who work with children and youth. The training should include at a minimum:

1. Review of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Code of Conduct and the Sexual Misconduct Policy.

2. Review of the Volunteer Code of Conduct

3. Receive and maintain signed Volunteer code of conduct. This must be completed annually.

4. Review Signs of Abuse

5. Review actions to be taken if abuse is suspected

a. Resources available:

i. Cue card for reporting signs of abuse

ii. Incident Report Form

b. Provide annual training for parents

i. The training shall contain, at a minimum, the following components:

1. Review of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Code of Conduct and the Sexual Misconduct Policy.

2. Review Signs of Abuse

3. Review actions to be taken if abuse is suspected

a. Resources available:

i. Cue card for reporting signs of abuse

ii. Incident Report Form

4. Opportunity for discussion

Implementation Calendar:

Diocesan Responsibilities:

By April 30^th of each year:

Provide dates over the next 12 months for training opportunities for Clergy, Youth Leaders and Religious Education Leaders who work with children and youth.

By July 30^th of each year:

Remind Parishes about requirements for Charter Implementation:

Annual Volunteer and Parent Training
Background Check Information
Annual signing and retention of Volunteer Code of Conduct

In January of each year:

Review records and identify:

Training needs
Background check needs
Inform parishes or individuals as needed.

Parish Responsibilities:

By June 30th each year:

At the request of the Archdiocese provide the following data:

Number of children attending religious education
Kindergarten
1-8
9-12
Number of Volunteers working with Youth and Children
Children k-6 or k-8 (please specify)
Youth 7-12 or 9-12 (please specify)
Number of Parent training sessions offered:
Estimate number in attendance
Estimate number of parents who are volunteers (who might have already received training)

Diocesan Schools:

During Teacher in-service prior to start of school year, provide teacher training which includes review of the Archdiocesan Code of Pastoral Conduct and Sexual Misconduct Policies, signs of abuse and mandated reporting requirements

Identify to the Diocese by October 31^st each year:

Number of teachers trained
Specific program for training children
Number of children in school by grade