Protecting Children & Youth » Protecting Children & Youth

Protecting Children & Youth

Before becoming involved with any ministry, all church/school employees and volunteers age 18 and older must successfully complete the following requirements. Anyone under age 18 is prohibited from working with children or vulnerable adults without the presence and direct supervision of an authorized adult.

  • Application for Employment or Volunteer Service Archdiocese of Chicago (Form 7703) (PDF below)
  • Criminal background check successfully cleared through the eApps system. (CBC)
  • Archdiocesan Code of Conduct must be read and the signed acknowledgement form returned. (ACC) (PDF below)

Volunteers who work with children present and all employees must additionally complete the following:

 

  • Attend a Protecting God's Children workshop sponsored by VIRTUS. A PGC session will be held at St. Juliana School in September of each year; additional locations can be found online at virtusonline.org. Pursuant to the PGC workshop, attendees agree to receive and comply with monthly safe-environment email bulletins from VIRTUS. No one under age 18 is allowed in a VIRTUS session so please make child-care arrangements as necessary. (PGC)
  • Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System application (PDF below); this is an annual requirement for all who work with children. (CANTS)

Certain employees and volunteers are also required by the State of Illinois to complete:

  • Fingerprint screening. (FP)
  • Mandated Reporter Training. (MRT)

Our parish follows the policies and procedures established by the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth, a department of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Together we share knowledge about child protection to make a difference in the lives of children and society at large. Parents and caregivers of children and vulnerable adults are encouraged to consult prevention resources at the Children Matter Network.

 

Anyone suspecting abuse or neglect of a child should immediately contact the DCFS hotline at 800-25ABUSE (800.252.2373). More information is also provided in the Charter for the Protection of Children and Youth created by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB.)