Service Eligibility and Communication with the Office of Child and Youth Protection

In addition to the screening and education of Church Personnel, the interaction and performance of all individuals in a Covered Entity community with children and youth must be monitored as described in the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Child and Youth Protection Policies and Procedures

2.1 The Archdiocese of Baltimore will exclude from ministry, employment, and volunteer service anyone against whom there is a credible allegation of sexual abuse, physical abuse, or neglect of a Child.
2.2 Church Personnel are expected to act in a manner that is consistent with the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s A Statement of Policy for the Protection of Children & Youth and the Code of Conduct for Church Personnel of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
2.3 Church Personnel must contact the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Office of Child and Youth Protection immediately if it is learned that anyone accused or convicted of Abuse, Neglect, or Misconduct with Minors is involved in any ministry or program or activity at a Covered Entity. This requirement is in addition to the obligations discussed below regarding reporting to civil authorities and screening employees and volunteers.
2.4 Restrictions may be placed on any individual credibly accused of Abuse, Neglect, Misconduct with Minors, or similar conduct regarding participation in activities of the Archdiocese of Baltimore or of a Covered Entity.
2.4.1 Such restrictions may be imposed even if the individual is not an employee or volunteer.
2.4.2 If it is learned that a student’s parent is a registered sex offender, restrictions will be placed on that parent.
2.4.3 Restrictions might also be placed on an individual who is accused of Abuse, Neglect, Misconduct with Minors, or similar conduct, pending a final determination.
2.5 Church Personnel must not initiate any kind of investigation before contacting the Office of Child and Youth Protection. The Covered Entity should proceed under the direction of the Office of Child and Youth Protection and/or the Division of Human Resources.
2.6 A Covered Entity must contact the Office of Child and Youth Protection and/or the Division of Human Resources before terminating the employment or service of Church Personnel at a Covered Entity due to an allegation of Abuse or Misconduct with a Minor.

 


1Code of Canon Law, Canon 983