Child & Youth Protection - Diocese of Orlando Policies on Child Sexual Abuse

Standards of Conduct for Church Personnel

Any form of sexual misconduct is sinful in the eyes of God. Certain forms of sexual misconduct can be criminal as well. Church Personnel who engage in any form of sexual misconduct or sexual abuse are violating the ministerial relationship, misusing their authority and power, and taking advantage of the vulnerability of those they meet. In these circumstances there is an absence of meaningful consent to any sexual activity, even if the person is an adult. It is the responsibility of Church Personnel to maintain appropriate emotional and sexual boundaries with those with whom they work or serve. While it is not possible to identify every form of inappropriate conduct that violates a person’s boundaries, based on the foregoing, it is inappropriate for Church Personnel to:

• perform any type of sexual acts with anyone.
• give inappropriate gifts (such as lingerie).
• offer a prolonged hug when a brief hug is customary behavior.
• kiss on the lips.
• invite children and young people to their home unsupervised or for overnight stays, even with the permission of the parent or guardian.
• offer children and young people rides to their homes, even with the permission of the parent or guardian.
• offer drugs to anyone.
• use the internet for pornographic access.
• show sexually suggestive objects or pornography.
• tell tales of sexual exploits, experiences or conflicts.
• make sexual propositions.
• use escort services.
• use vulgar language.
• obtain monetary gifts from elderly through undue influence.
• invite children and young people to sit on their laps.
• accept gratuities or tips for driving vulnerable adults or serving as chaperones.

General Guidelines for Creating a Safe Environment

As Church Personnel, it is our solemn responsibility to promote, protect, and safeguard the well-being of anyone entrusted to our care. Church Personnel serve as examples to others for appropriate behavior, setting boundaries, and following a Christian life-style. Because of this, Church Personnel will not engage in the following:

• Threatening or causing personal harm or injury.
• Threatening or causing damage to property.
• Smoking, or encouraging smoking, on school property or at Bishop Grady Villas.
• Asking someone to undress or observe someone undressing while he or she is changing clothes at school, a sporting event, or retreat, other than necessary supervision in a locker room or approved changing area.
• Denigrating or abusing any person.
• Providing medical advice.**
• Conducting physical examinations of or providing shots to people (other than sponsored or sanctioned exams for scoliosis, vision, hearing, athletic fitness, diabetic treatments or other medical treatments, which require a consent form).
• Administering drugs, including over-the-counter medication, in the absence of express written permission.**
• Providing massages or other physical therapy.
• Taking blood samples or performing any other medical procedure.
• Examining the genitalia of any person, for any reason.
• Touching an individual inappropriately.

**This does not apply to licensed assisted living facilities, medical centers, or clinics where these procedures have been authorized or are required by law.

Additional Safety Information

• Whenever possible, two adults should be present in groups of youth and children. If a situation should arise in which a child or adolescent must be alone with an adult, it is advisable to remain in the sight of another adult.
• Make a point of showing affection to people in open places where others can see and share in the warmth. If you are comfortable with others watching what you are doing, you are probably okay.
• Touch people in safe places on their bodies, avoiding private places. The back, the head and shoulders are acceptable. The buttocks, the breasts, the thighs, and the groin are not acceptable.
• When an accident occurs on church or school property, complete all appropriate forms.
• If a child is sad and needs to be comforted, show affection by placing your arm around a shoulder, and giving a gentle hug from the side.
• If a person needs to have a private conversation with you, remove yourselves the necessary distance from the others, but stay in view of the group or leave a door slightly ajar.
• It is strongly recommended that windows be present in all classroom doors or other areas used by children. Church leaders and/or administrators are expected to regularly observe all activities and frequently visit all areas.
• When taking young children to the restroom, be especially careful to give them as much privacy as possible. Unless unavoidable, only escort children of your gender, and then enter the rest room only if absolutely necessary.
• Establish and follow strictly a sign-in-sign-out system for all school children. Know the adults who will be picking up the children.
• Volunteers should not travel alone with individual children, or vulnerable adults.
• Do not be alone and naked with any person. If you must change clothes in school, at a sporting event, or a retreat, use the usual kind of discretion that is appropriate for such places.
• In all things, respect the integrity of every individual. Allow an individual to back away from your well-intentioned affection if he/she wishes.  Most of us sense the difference between positive caring intentions and those which are meant to exploit us. Use your common sense and good judgment to guide you in respecting the personal space of any individual. 

Behavioral Red Flags in Adults Working With Children

• Over investment in children
• Over identification with children
• Failure to set appropriate limits with children
• Excess animation around children
• Indications of anxiety regarding adult sexuality
• Overly anxious in interviews or under supervision
• Success in getting around the rules
• Lack of meaningful, in-depth relationships with adult peers
• No sense of responsibility for one's actions
• Keeping secrets with children

Trips Sponsored by the Diocese of Orlando

When participating in the planning of a trip for a Diocesan entity, it is important to take steps to increase the safety of all involved. Even with these safeguards, is it impossible to eliminate all potential for liability when trips occur.

I. Releases/Waivers

Each participating person should sign a waiver release of the Diocese’s liability. This document must acknowledge the risks involved in participating in the trip, the lack of constant supervision, and the chaperone's limited skills (i.e., no medical training). A sample form is contained in this website or packet of information.

II. Rules/Acknowledgements

A. Rules

Each participating person should sign a list of rules acknowledging that they understand the rules and agree to follow them. These rules should: outline prohibitions on alcohol and drugs; establish curfews; prohibit minors from leaving their rooms after curfew without being in the presence of a chaperone; and prohibit minors from undertaking any activities without the direct knowledge and consent of a chaperone. Guardians should acknowledge that they have discussed the rules with the minors and that the minors are responsible for following the rules. The chaperones should acknowledge that they will enforce the rules. 

B. Acknowledgements

In addition to the rules, the participants should sign paperwork acknowledging certain risks involved with travel.  The acknowledgement should include: 

• Transportation to church sponsored activities is to be provided only from the church/school to the activity and from the activity back to the church/school. Transportation between the home and the church and return is the responsibility of the parents or guardians.
• Transportation is to be provided only by drivers who are authorized by the church. Drivers will carry permission slips for each child which has been duly signed by the child's parent(s) or guardian(s). Permission slips should include liability waivers for each activity. 
• If the trip is outside of the United States, the participants are subject to the laws, rules, regulations, and court system of a foreign country without the benefit of the United States' legal protection and/or law enforcement. The only medical treatment available will be that of the foreign country.
• The chaperones have no medical or first aid training.
• Failing to follow the local rules, laws, and regulations of the host country and/or the directions of the chaperones could result in serious injury.

C. Medical Issues Involving Minors

Each minor and guardian should acknowledge that the minor has no known medical conditions and/or required medical treatments.  If any student or guardian indicates otherwise, the student must provide a medical release from a doctor and a separate release of the Diocese by the student's guardians.

III. Chaperone Guidelines

It is suggested that chaperones consider the following when participating in a Diocesan, school or parish-related function:

• Prohibit minors from undertaking activities not directly associated with the trip.
• Prohibit minors from leaving the group at any time, even when accompanied by another minor.
• Avoid establishments where alcohol is sold.
• Adhere to and enforce a strict curfew.
• Remain in the presence of the minors at all reasonable times.
• If a minor is permitted to attend the trip with a medical condition, be aware of the medical condition and any special steps or issues that must be addressed regarding the medical condition.
• Contact guardians immediately if any minor is failing to follow the rules or has any injury or illness during the trip.
• Obtain emergency numbers to use in the foreign country, which can be obtained through the American Consulate.
• Offer parents and guardians mobile phone numbers of the group leaders and the phone number of the destination.
• Create buddy system (peer-to-peer) for vulnerable population groups.
• Create a plan for a large-scale emergency.

** This does not apply to licensed assisted living facilities, medical centers, or clinics where these procedures have been authorized or are required by law.