Following are definitions used in these Procedures:

Application – Standard Archdiocesan forms, “Application for Employment ” or “Application for Volunteer Service.”

Archdiocesan Personnel – Priests (including bishops), pastoral life directors, religious, deacons, seminarians studying for ordination into the Archdiocese of Baltimore and those enrolled in the Permanent Diaconate Formation Program, lay employees, and volunteers who are subject to the control, under civil law, of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, with the exception of Catholic Charities and The Cathedral Foundation.

Child – Any individual under the age of 18 years.

CJIS/ Fingerprint Check – The Criminal Justice Information Services (“CJIS”) Central Repository serves as the focal point and control repository for criminal information, including fingerprints. CJIS/ Fingerprint Check is the submission of fingerprints to the state and FBI to obtain information on the existence and content of a criminal record relating to working with children. This check must be performed by the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.

Covered Entity – Any parish, school, institution, program or ministry subject to the control, under civil law, of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, with the exception of Catholic Charities and The Cathedral Foundation. For example, independent schools without a legal governance connection to the Archdiocese of Baltimore are not covered.

Driving Record Check – The screening that is done through a third party and checks for certain available driving record information.

Employee Screening – Includes completed application, reference checks, interview, and CJIS/Fingerprint check.

Responsible Administrator – The pastor/pastoral administrator, pastoral life director, principal, agency director, or Human Resources staff member responsible for processes, procedures, and decisions for a covered entity.

Screening Coordinator – A staff member, designated by the Responsible Administrator, to check references of employees and/or volunteers. This person must be able to process confidential information discreetly and must be able to interpret information received.

Substantial Contact – Contact with children in which the duration and scope in both time and exposure to children is neither rare nor limited and may occur on a routine and/or ongoing basis. This includes all overnight activities with children.

Volunteer Criminal History Screening – The screening that is done through a third party and checks for certain available criminal histories.

Volunteer Screening – The screening required for volunteers who have substantial contact with children that includes completed application, reference checks, and Criminal History Screening.