Volunteer's Code of Conduct

(for the protection of children and youth)

Our children are the most important gifts God has entrusted to us. As a volunteer, I promise to strictly follow the rules and guidelines in this Volunteer's Code of Conduct as a condition of my providing services to the children and youth of our [parish, school, facility, eparchy, etc.].

As a volunteer, I will:

•  Treat everyone with respect, loyalty, patience, integrity, courtesy, dignity, and consideration.
•  Avoid situations where I am alone with children and/or youth at Church activities.
•  Use positive reinforcement rather than criticism, competition, or comparison when working with children and/or youth.
•  Refuse to accept expensive gifts from children and/or youth without prior written approval from the parents or guardians and pastor or administrator.
•  Cooperate fully in an investigation of abuse of children and/or youth.

As a volunteer, I will not:

•  Smoke or use tobacco products in the presence of children and/or youth.
•  Use, possess or be under the influence of alcohol at any time while volunteering.
•  Use, possess or be under the influence of illegal drugs at any time.
•  Pose any health risk to children and/or youth (i.e., no fevers or other contagious situations).
•  Strike, spank, shake or slap children and/or youth.
•  Humiliate, ridicule, threaten or degrade children and/or youth.
•  Touch a child and/or youth in a sexual or other inappropriate manner.
•  Use any discipline that frightens or humiliates children and/or youth.
•  Use profanity in the presence of children and/or youth.

I understand that as a volunteer working with children and/or youth, I am subject to a thorough background check including criminal history. I understand that any action inconsistent with this Code of Conduct or failure to take action mandated by this Code of Conduct may result in my removal as a volunteer with children and/or youth.

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