PROTECTION OF YOUTH & CHILDREN

Steps We Take

The Office of United Catholic Youth Ministries as well as its leadership 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 in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Chicago Office for the Protection of Children & Youth. 

All UCYM adult volunteers and staff are compliant with the mandates of the Archdiocese of Chicago Office for the Protection of Children & Youth as well as further steps taken by any of our parishes and UCYM itself. 

Every adult volunteer and staff member at the age of 18 and older, at the time of orientation, does the following:
  • Signs the Archdiocesan Code of Conduct and criminal background check (CANTS) form. 
  • Registers for a Virtus training, if they have not already completed one. A certificate is sent to the Office of United Catholic Youth Ministries within 15 days of their orientation. 
  • Within 15 days of their orientation, completes mandated reporter training. 

All adults volunteers and staff are identifiable by a name badge.
Every adult volunteer and staff member for United Catholic Youth Ministries is required to wear a name badge that identifies them as a volunteer or staff member in whatever capacity they have discussed with the Office of United Catholic Youth Ministries during events in which youth and vulnerable adults are present. 

All adult volunteers and staff are continually educated.
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 training. Virtus accounts are checked twice a year and volunteers and staff are notified if they are nearing the mark where their account would be suspended for incomplete monthly bulletins. 

What if an adult volunteer or staff member's Virtus account passes the number of missed monthly training bulletins?
Volunteer and staff member accounts are flagged after 24 missed bulletins, which accumulates to 2 years of missed bulletins. At that time, until at least 12 bulletins are completed, they are not able to return to active ministry – this regulation is enforced by the Office of United Catholic Youth Ministries with the endorsement of the Archdiocese of Chicago Office for the Protection of Children & Youth.

What if an adult volunteer or staff member violates the Code of Conduct?
If an adult volunteer of staff member violates the Code of Conduct, the situation will be brought to the staff of United Catholic Youth Ministries who will seek counsel from the Archdiocese of Chicago Office for the Protection of Children & Youth. If any physical or mental abuse is caused or alleged, it will result in immediate suspension from active ministry and an investigation will be opened with the Department of Child and Family Services and the Archdiocese of Chicago. If allegations are unfounded, the adult volunteer or staff member in question as well as the person who felt victimized and their parent(s) or guardian(s) will be given the opportunity for healing and reconciliation and the adult will be given the chance to return to active ministry at the discretion of the United Catholic Youth Ministries staff and pastors of United Catholic Youth Ministries with consultation from the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Office for the Protection of Children & Youth

Visit the website of the  Office For The Protection of Children & Youth for more information, resources, and training.
James Holzhauer-Chuckas, ObSB
UCYM Virtus Administrator
847-868-3520
Compliance Resources