The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, Article 6, states that there will be “clear and well-publicized diocesan standards of ministerial behavior” for all church personnel, which includes, clergy, religious brothers and sisters, seminarians, all employees and those volunteers with access to children, young people and vulnerable adults. These standards have become our Code of Conduct, which outlines appropriate behaviors and boundaries that must be adopted by those who minister to our children, young people and vulnerable adults. All Diocese of Charleston Church Personnel are required to sign a form acknowledging that they received, have read and agree to abide by the behavioral standards in the Code of Conduct.
What does well-publicized mean? It means that not only should the parents of the children in your parish and school be aware of the Code, the community at large must also know that we operate under a defined code of conduct designed to establish and maintain an environment safe for those most vulnerable among us.
Who must sign a Code of Conduct?:
- All Clergy
- All Religious
- All Seminarians
- All Employees
- All Volunteers with access to children or youths
Where must these forms be retained?:
- In the file created for the individual and housed in a locked file cabinet designated for safe environment materials
How do you make the existence of the Codes of Conduct well known?:
- Place the Code of Conduct anywhere inside the Church or school that is visited by parishioners and/or parents, or the general public
- Feature the Code of Conduct on your parish/school web page or in your parish bulletin
- Create discussions centering on the Code of Conduct at staff or PTA meetings
- Include the Codes of Conduct in your school or parish registration packets