Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas

Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct for Those Who Minister to All Vulnerable Persons

1. All volunteers and church employees eighteen years and older involved with vulnerable persons must read and agree to abide by all Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas Safe Environment policies and protocols. They are obligated to have a Criminal Record Search with Vulnerable Sector.  Registry checks are valid for 5 years.

2. All new volunteers and new employees eighteen years and older involved with vulnerable persons (children, youth, or vulnerable adults) must fill out an application form and submit the name and contact information for a minimum of two references.

3. Two adults, unrelated to each other, should be present when involved with all vulnerable persons (children, youth or vulnerable adults). In instances where two unrelated adults are not present, doors to classrooms and meeting rooms must remain open or a window providing clear visibility into the room is required.

4. Appropriate child, youth, vulnerable adult physical boundaries are to be respected at all times. Physical contact between adults and children, youth or vulnerable adults must occur in public. Any sexual attention towards a child, youth or vulnerable adult is strictly forbidden (this can include jokes or comments).

5. Qualified adults must be present and monitor the leadership techniques used by junior catechists and youth leaders to ensure that Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas policies are followed. A qualified adult is defined as a person who has been approved to work with children, youth and vulnerable adults by staff of the Archdiocesan office and pastor.

6. Each parish or Archdiocesan office must provide adequate adult supervision at all church sponsored youth activities. These activities could be as diverse as catechetical, recreational, devotional or service projects. 

7. There are to be no off-site activities with a child or group of children without the express permission of the parent, guardian, and the appropriate pastor. A minimum of two adults, unrelated to each other, must be present at all off-site activities. 

8. During overnight events, no child is permitted to sleep in the same room as a teen or adult, other than with his or her own parent or guardian. However, adults and minors may share a large sleeping space (for example: a dormitory, classroom, or gym) if at least two qualified adults, not related to each other, are present at all times. 

9. If help with toileting is required, permission must be given by the parent or guardian before toileting or changing help is given. Two adults, unrelated to each other, must be present if help with toileting is required. 

10. Discipline of children and youth will be done constructively reflecting Christian values. Ridicule, shame, corporal punishment, and abusive language are prohibited.

11. Hazing and harassment are prohibited in any church activity.

12. At all church sponsored events every effort must be taken to respect the privacy of children, youth and adults. 

13. Careful attention should be given to the confidentiality of personal information given by or about persons being ministered to.

14. As employees and volunteers are generally not qualified to do professional counseling other than spiritual counseling, counseling relationships are discouraged. 

15. All concerns regarding people not following this code of conduct must be reported to the priest or the Diocesan Office immediately. Where appropriate, the priest and Diocesan Office will involve the Allegations of Misconduct Committee.

March 22, 2021