Protection of Children and Youth

Protection of Youth & Children

A Note from Our Safe Environment Administrator:

"It is our duty and moral imperative to enforce all child protection compliance with any adult to promote a safe space at UCYM. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns and we can walk you through the best practice and, if we don't have the answer, we will be happy to consult with our Accountability Board. UCYM is here for you."

Oblate James Holzhauer-Chuckas, ObSB
Executive Director and Safe Environment Administrator

Reporting

How many monthly training bulletins can be missed before being considered out of compliance?

Accounts are flagged by the UCYM Safe Environment Office after 12 missed bulletins, which accumulates to 1 year of missed bulletins. At that time, until at least 6 bulletins are completed, the volunteer or staff member is not able to return to active ministry until they are back in compliance of no less than 6 missed bulletins or better.

What if an adult volunteer or staff member violates the Standards of Behavior?

If an adult volunteer of staff member violates any part of the Standards of Behavior, the situation will be brought to the administration who will collaborate with the Accountability Team on how to proceed. If any physical or mental abuse is caused or alleged, it will result in immediate suspension of the accused from active ministry and an investigation will be opened with the Department of Child and Family Services with full cooperation from UCYM.

If allegations of abuse or other violations of the Standards of Behavior are unfounded, the adult volunteer or staff member as well as the person who felt victimized and their parent(s)/guardian(s) will be given the opportunity for healing. The adult volunteer or staff member will be given the chance to return to active ministry at the discretion of the Accountability Team.

We will also involve the local (arch)diocese if the accused is an employee of an archdiocesan agency, parish, or school.

How can one be deciphered as a safe adult?

Every staff and board member for United Catholic Youth Ministries is required to wear a name or ID badge that identifies them as a staff or board member in the office, at any sites, and during events in which youth and vulnerable adults are present and when the adult is a representative of UCYM.

What is the process for ongoing formation?

Every adult volunteer and staff member keeps current with the monthly bulletins that are sent out through their Virtus account after they have completed the initial training. No more than 12 monthly bulletins may be incomplete at any time.

Steps We Take

The Board of Directors and leadership of United Catholic Youth Ministries (UCYM) takes the protection of our youth, children, and vulnerable adults very seriously. Below are the steps we take to protect our youth and children as well as vulnerable adults.

All UCYM adult volunteers and staff are compliant with the child protection mandates of UCYM prior to starting direct service with minors and vulnerable adults.

Every adult volunteer and staff member at the age of 18 and older does the following:

Prior to starting:
- Signs the Standards of Behavior (SB).
- Submits to a criminal background check for mandated reporters (CANTS 689).
- Registers for a Virtus account and submits to a criminal background check (CBC).
- Completes Protecting God's Children Virtus Training (PGC).
- Completes training to become a mandated reporter (MRT).
Monthly:
- Completes a bulletin on child protection via Virtus.
Annually:
- Resigns the Standards of Behavior (SB).
Every 3 years:
- Recertifies as a mandated reporter (MRT).
- Completes the Keeping the Promise Alive (KPA) Virtus recertification.
- Submits to a criminal background check (CBC) via Virtus.