Code of Pastoral Conduct

IV. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT FOR VOLUNTEERS

In working with minors, volunteers should model Christ’s characteristics in working with the apostles. Volunteers should lead by example and demonstrate the qualities that they aspire to develop in the young.

1. Expectations of Volunteers

1.1 Volunteers should treat everyone with respect, loyalty, patience, integrity, courtesy, dignity, and consideration.

1.2 Volunteers should generally not be alone with a child and/or minors at Church and school activities.

1.3 Volunteers should use positive reinforcement rather than criticism, competition, or comparison when working with children and/or minors.

1.4 Volunteers should refuse to accept expensive gifts from children and/or minors or their parents without prior written approval from the pastor or administrator.

1.5 Volunteers should refrain from giving expensive gifts to children and/or minors without prior written approval from the parents or guardian and the pastor or administrator.

1.6 If a minor discloses an abuse situation to a volunteer, the volunteer will report it to his supervisor. The supervisor is required to report the information to OCS.

1.7 Volunteers will cooperate fully in any investigation of abuse involving minors.

1.8 Volunteers will use a hands-off discipline technique. They will not strike, spank, shake, or slap minors. They will not touch a minor in a sexual or other inappropriate manner.

2. Volunteers are not to engage in any of the following activities:

2.1 smoke or use tobacco products in the presence of minors.

2.2 use, possess, or be under the influence of alcohol at any time while volunteering.

2.3 use, possess, or be under the influence of illegal drugs at any time.

2.4 pose any health risk to minors (i.e., no fevers or other contagious situations).

2.5 avoid, humiliate, ridicule, threaten, or degrade minors either publicly or privately.