PROTECTION OF YOUTH & CHILDREN
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Steps We Take
The staff and leadership of United Catholic Youth Ministries take 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 compliance 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 Evanston parishes and UCYM itself. Every adult volunteer and staff member at the age of 18 and older does the following:
All staff are identifiable by a photo ID or name badge. Every staff member for United Catholic Youth Ministries is required to wear a name or ID badge that identifies them as a staff member in the office, on campus, and during events in which youth and vulnerable adults are present and when they are a representative of United Catholic Youth Ministries. 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. 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 by the UCYM Office 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 policy 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 Archdiocesan Standards of Behavior? If an adult volunteer of staff member violates any part of the Archdiocesan Standards of Behavior, the situation will be brought to the administration of United Catholic Youth Ministries who will seek counsel from the Archdiocese of Chicago Office for the Protection of Children & Youth on how to proceed with collaboration from local parish Human Resources staff. 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 and the Archdiocese of Chicago. If allegations of abuse or other violations of the Archdiocesan Standards of Behavior are unfounded, the adult volunteer or staff member in question as well as the person who felt victimized and their parent(s)/guardian(s) will be given the opportunity for healing and reconciliation. The adult volunteer or staff member will be given the chance to return to active ministry at the discretion of the administration of United Catholic Youth Ministries, parish pastors, and with guidance and clearance from the Archdiocese of Chicago. |
Visit the Archdiocese of Chicago website for the Office For The Protection of Children & Youth for more information, resources, and training.
UCYM Virtus Administrator
"It is my duty and moral imperative to enforce all child protection compliance with any adult to promote a safe space here at UCYM. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns and I can walk you through the best practice and, if I don't have the answer, I will be happy to ask the Archdiocese. UCYM is here for you." -James H-C
Compliance Resources
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