Safe Environment

Safe Environment Policy

The policy for Safe Environments and the Protection of Children, Youth and Vulnerable Adults acknowledges the need to provide safe pastoral environments and protect those most vulnerable in our parish communities.

It establishes best practices not only to protect those to whom we minister, especially children, youth and vulnerable adults, but also to ensure the integrity, safety and reputation of those who minister, namely, clergy, religious, staff and church volunteers, and the ministries they provide.

Together, we can better promote wholeness, accountability, trust and care within the Church by fulfilling our spiritual, ethical, moral, and legal responsibilities.

Responsible ministry

Overview

What is abuse?

Glossary

Screening and training

For volunteers and parishes

For clergy and consecrated persons

For lay employees and the Eparchy

Reporting and responding to abuse.

Report abuse

What happens when abuse is reported

Care and healing

Responsible Ministry

Overview

What is abuse?

Glossary

Screening and Training

For volunteers and parishes

For clergy and consecrated persons

For lay employees and the Eparchy

Reporting and Responding to Abuse

Report abuse

What happens when abuse is reported

Care and healing

Responsible Ministry

The Eparchy of Saints Cyril and Methodius for Slovaks of the Byzantine Rite in Canada (the Slovak Eparchy of Toronto) is committed to providing a safe pastoral environment which is free from abuse for all of those to whom we minister, especially those who are the most vulnerable.

Overview

Intent of Safe Environments Policy

To provide clear directives in order to establish and maintain a safe pastoral environment which is free from abuse.
To provide clear directives to respond to allegations of abuse within the Slovak Eparchy of Toronto.

Responsible Ministry

All parish and eparchial individuals providing ministry, including all clergy, religious, seminarians, laity, employees and volunteers, will:

undergo Volunteer and Employee Screening according to eparchial procedures to determine their suitability for ministry and/or employment
sign a Covenant of Care, thereby committing to follow all safe environment procedures, including adherence to the Code of Pastoral Conduct.

Safe Environments Training

Safe Environments Training teaches us how to identify abuse, not only in our Church, but also in our families and communities. Safe Environment Training sets standards of appropriate behaviour so that non-appropriate behaviour is easily noticeable and can be addressed immediately. It teaches us when and how to report abuse to church and civil authorities.

Safe Environment Training is mandatory for:

all priests, deacons, sub-deacons, lectors, women and men religious, and monastics
all parish and eparchial employees and keyholders
all volunteers in a high-risk ministry involving youth and children, as well as pastoral care ministries to hospitals, care centres, nursing homes, private homes, etc.
all volunteers in a leadership role or those responsible for any parish or eparchial organization or committee, including all parish and eparchial Pastoral/Finance Council members, Volunteer Screening Coordinators and all presidents of parish and eparchial organizations.

Reporting Abuse

The Church takes seriously its responsibility to provide a safe pastoral environment within its parishes and ministries. When an allegation arises, the Slovak Eparchy of Toronto is committed to responding with compassion and in a timely manner, providing assistance to those in need of healing and reconciliation, and will take any and all means to prevent a future occurrence of abuse.

For all matters of abuse involving vulnerable persons, seniors, minors, church, properties/finances, bullying, etc. by any clergy, staff or lay volunteer within the Church, please contact:

Fr. Alexander Laschuk JCD

Eparchial Coordinator of Care

Email: safeguarding@ucetec.org

Safeguarding Hotline: +1 (833)-553-2233

The Slovak Eparchy of Toronto is committed to responding to reports of abuse by any of our clergy, staff or lay volunteers promptly, openly and in full co-operation with child welfare authorities and/or police.

Care and Healing

The Slovak Eparchy of Toronto is committed to spiritual care and healing by ensuring that:

those who bring forth allegations of abuse are treated with dignity and respect
spiritual care, counselling and support are made available to victims of abuse
the good reputation and the privacy of all persons involved are protected

What is abuse?

Abuse is any physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual behaviour:

which causes a person to fear for his or her physical, psychological, or emotional safety and well-being.
which the alleged perpetrator knew or ought to have reasonably known would cause that person to have concern or fear for his or her physical, psychological, or emotional safety and well-being.

Such behaviour may or may not be criminal in nature.

A key factor in some forms of abuse is a power imbalance, for example when the victim is exploited by a person in a position of authority, or where there is a significant age gap or economic asymmetry.

What are the types of abuse?

Physical Abuse: the use or threat of force or power to control, injure or abuse another person. Physical abuse also includes the intentional restriction of movement. Physical abuse does not have to leave a mark or a bruise.
Verbal Abuse: the use of language to manipulate, control, ridicule, insult, humiliate, belittle, vilify, or show disrespect or disdain to another. It may or may not use expletives. It may also be in written form, which includes electronic media. Such abuse includes but may not be limited to bullying, ridiculing, trivializing, harassing, accusing, blaming, denying, insulting, taunting, putting down, discounting, threatening, name-calling, yelling or raging.
Sexual Abuse: any actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature against an individual, including minors and vulnerable persons, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions; any inappropriate, unwanted and/or non-consensual sexual interaction, including rape, sexual assault, sex with a minor, sexual activity with a minor, and the use of a minor for sexual purposes and/or gratification. While most forms of sexual abuse against minors are contact abuse, non-contact sexual abuse of a minor includes sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, unwanted sexual comments, and exposure to sexual acts, including pornography. In the context of this policy, any inappropriate sexual interaction between a cleric, religious, employee or volunteer and an individual, including minors and vulnerable persons, with whom he or she has a ministerial relationship is considered sexual abuse.
Financial Abuse: the misuse of a vulnerable person’s funds or property through fraud, trickery, theft or force. Also, it can be the theft or misuse, for personal or private gain, of church money or property, which are also considered vulnerable entities.

What are the signs of abuse?

While this list is not exhaustive, in general it could apply to any victim of abuse, either a child, adult or any vulnerable person.

Unexplained injuries or injuries at varying stages of healing
Depression or withdrawal from regular activities previously enjoyed
Unusual changes in behaviour
Drastic mood changes
Decline in school or work performance
Self-destructive or risk-taking behaviours
Nervousness around certain people
Sexualized knowledge or behaviour that is outside what is considered age and developmentally appropriate
Poor hygiene
Unsanitary living conditions
Sudden or unexplained changes in banking, wills or financial documents
Unexplained disappearance of funds or valuable possessions

Who is a vulnerable person?

Vulnerable persons include children, youth, the elderly, and all those who for any reason are not able to fully represent themselves or protect themselves from harm, including:

anyone of any age who might easily be exploited by another, including children, youth and some adults.
anyone who is at some disadvantage, unable to fully protect themselves from harm.
anyone who is at risk because of age, disability, handicap or circumstances such as emotional distress due to extreme crisis or trauma or desperate social or material need.

Vulnerability may be caused by anything that limits mature judgment and free activity.

What is a vulnerable entity?

Church money or property are considered vulnerable entities as financial abuse can occur as a result of their intentional misuse or theft for personal or private gain.

Glossary of Terms

The sources for this glossary include the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Protecting Minors from Sexual Abuse: A Call to the Catholic Faithful in Canada for Healing, Reconciliation, and Transformation, among others. It serves as a reference for this policy and has no legal force. Further authoritative sources shall be the Criminal Code of Canada, provincial/territorial statutes, and canon law.

Abuse: any physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual behaviour:

which causes a person to fear for his or her physical, psychological, or emotional safety and well-being;
which the alleged perpetrator knew or ought to have reasonably known would cause that person to have concern or fear for his or her physical, psychological, or emotional safety and well-being. Such behaviour may or may not be criminal in nature. A key factor in some forms of abuse is a power imbalance, for example when the victim is exploited by a person in a position of authority, or where there is a significant age gap or economic asymmetry.

Physical Abuse: The use or threat of force or power to control, injure or abuse another person. Physical abuse also includes the intentional restriction of movement. Physical abuse does not have to leave a mark or a bruise.

Verbal Abuse: The use of language to manipulate, control, ridicule, insult, humiliate, belittle, vilify, or show disrespect or disdain to another. It may or may not use expletives. It may also be in written form, which includes electronic media. Such abuse includes but may not be limited to bullying, ridiculing, trivializing, harassing, accusing, blaming, denying, insulting, taunting, putting down, discounting, threatening, name-calling, yelling or raging.

Sexual Abuse: any actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature against an individual, including minors and vulnerable persons, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions; any inappropriate, unwanted and/or non-consensual sexual interaction, including rape, sexual assault, sex with a minor, sexual activity with a minor, and the use of a minor for sexual purposes and/or gratification. While most forms of sexual abuse against minors are contact abuse, non-contact sexual abuse of a minor includes sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, unwanted sexual comments, and exposure to sexual acts, including pornography. In the context of this policy, any inappropriate sexual interaction between a cleric, religious, employee or volunteer and an individual, including minors and vulnerable persons, with whom he or she has a ministerial relationship is considered sexual abuse.

Financial Abuse: the misuse or theft of Church funds or property. Also includes the misuse of a vulnerable adult’s funds or property through fraud, trickery, theft or force.

Allegation: a complaint, still to be verified, claiming or asserting that someone has committed an act of sexual assault or abuse against an individual

Child: a person under 18 years of age.

Child pornography: according to the Criminal Code of Canada (R.S.C. 1985, c. C-46, s. 163.1), child pornography includes:

a photographic film, video, or other visual representation, whether or not it was made by electronic or mechanical means, of explicit sexual activity with a person who is, or who is depicted as being under the age of 18 years
any written material, visual representation, or audio recording that advocates or counsels sexual activity with a person under the age of 18 years
any written material whose dominant characteristic is the description, for a sexual purpose, of sexual activity with a person under the age of 18 years
any audio recording that has as its dominant characteristic the description, presentation, or representation, for a sexual purpose, of sexual activity with a person under the age of 18 years.

Clergy: all members of ordained ministry: bishops, priests, deacons, and sub-deacons

Delegate: the person named by the eparchial bishop to act on his behalf in relation to a specific issue or case

Eparchy: the term used by the Eastern Catholic Churches to denote ecclesiastical jurisdictions under the leadership of a bishop or an archbishop (also called an eparch or an archeparch)

Event: an occasional or one-time function or activity run by an eparchial office, parish, or other approved organization

Grooming: a method of manipulation used by an offender to build a relationship of trust with a child or vulnerable adult, as well as the adults around the child or vulnerable person, in an effort to gain access to and time alone with her/him in order to abuse the child or vulnerable adult

the offender will use subtle approaches designed to build relationships with families and may use threats and physical force in extreme cases
the offender may assume a caring role, befriend the child or even exploit their position of trust and authority to groom the victim and/or the victim’s family
grooming can include a wide variety of behaviours, such as spending large amounts of time with a victim, affording special privileges or providing gifts, trips and other expressions of special attention
the behaviours can also lead the person to feel indebted to the groomer for all these kindnesses. Once this bond of trust and indebtedness is established, the stage may be set for abuse/sexual abuse
The pattern of a groomer is made up of observable behaviours which must be challenged or reported.
Everyone should be alert to signs of grooming, including Church personnel and those who care for the vulnerable.

Harassment: can be a single severe incident or a persistent pattern of behaviour where the purpose or the effect is to create a hostile, offensive, or intimidating work or pastoral environment. It encompasses a broad range of physical, written, or verbal behaviour, including, without limitation, the following:

physical or mental abuse
racial insults or derogatory ethnic slurs
unwelcomed sexual advances or touching, sexual comments or sexual jokes
requests for sexual favours used as a condition of employment or ministry, or to affect other personnel decisions, such as promotion or compensation
display of offensive materials
defamatory gossip or otherwise maligning an individual to other employees, volunteers, or parishioners except for formally reporting a serious concern to a supervisor or to civil authorities.
inappropriate social media postings

Ministerial relationship: a relationship between a Church employee or volunteer and another person that has been established through the ministry provided on behalf of the Church

Ministry or Program: a structured series of similar activities governed and run by the Slovak Eparchy in Toronto through its offices, parishes, or other approved organizations.

General Risk Ministry (choir member, cantor, greeter, hospitality team, etc.)

Includes those eparchial or parish volunteers or employees who:

do not require close contact with minors or vulnerable adults
are supervised directly or indirectly
perform duties in a strictly public setting
are not involved with parish or eparchial finances

High Risk Ministry (youth leader, parish treasurer, custodian, parish secretary, Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister, Sunday School teacher, all clergy, employees, etc.)

Includes those eparchial or parish volunteers or employees involved who:

work with minors or vulnerable adults
work in an unsupervised setting where ministry, food, transportation or other necessities could be provided to minors and/or vulnerable adults
have access to confidential information
are entrusted with money, and/or parish and eparchial finances
are keyholders and have access to church property

Offender: a person who has committed an act of abuse, sexual or otherwise

Police Information Check (PIC): a process that verifies whether an individual has a criminal record and provides that individual with the detailed information regarding any criminal record that can be legally disclosed. The process may also be called a Police Record Check (PRC) or a Criminal Record Check (CRC), depending on the police jurisdiction. For the purposes of this policy, Police Information Check (PIC) refers to the process, regardless of which police service conducts it.

a Police Information Check (PIC) requested by an eparchial office, parish, or other approved organization within the Slovak Eparchy of Toronto is conducted by the police service to determine if an individual has a criminal record and/or a sexual offence conviction for which they have received a pardon that would exclude them from ministry within the church.
“Clear” Police Information Check indicates that there is no record of criminal convictions in Canada’s National Repository for criminal records

Policy: a course or principle of action, with respect to the safeguarding of pastoral environments, adopted or proposed by an eparchy

Preliminary investigation: The inquiry carried out either directly by the eparchial bishop, or through a delegate, in response to information received concerning an allegation.

Protocol: the official procedure or system of rules governing the manner in which alleged and proven cases of sexual abuse of minors are addressed by Church leadership

Position of trust: a particular role where a Church volunteer or employee in ministry establishes a trusting relationship with individuals because of their authority in that ministry.

Qualified adult: an individual (clergy, employee, volunteer) who has been properly screened for ministry within the Slovak Eparchy of Toronto and who has taken safe environment training

Religious: persons who, by professing the evangelical counsels (poverty, chastity, obedience) through public vows approved by the Church or other sacred bonds approved by the Church, are consecrated to God

Risk Assessment: a process by which programs are rated according to risk factors

Safe Environments Advisory Committee: a group of individuals who investigate all complaints regarding abuse of children, youth and vulnerable adults assigned to it by the bishop or the bishop’s delegate and makes recommendations within an appropriate timeframe to the bishop or appropriate persons regarding actions to be taken, including the temporary suspension of the accused clergy or religious.

Sexual Exploitation: the use of one’s position of power or trust to have sexual contact or attempted sexual contact with another person. Sexual exploitation includes but is not limited to such activity as intercourse, kissing, touching of breasts or genitals, dating during the course of a ministerial relationship, any form of communication indicative of sexual involvement, or demeaning sexual comments. The apparent consent of a possible victim does not determine whether there has been sexual exploitation, because the imbalance of power between the pastoral care giver and the person in a pastoral relationship undermines the validity of an apparent consent.

Screening: a process designed to

create and maintain a safe environment for children, youth and vulnerable persons
foster an appropriate match between the volunteer and a particular ministry
protect volunteers and employees
safeguard limited Church resources

Volunteer: a person who is involved in eparchial or parish ministries or programs but not in a leadership role and not receiving remuneration. Volunteers can include priests, deacons, religious and/or lay persons.

Volunteer Coordinator: a person designated by the eparchial office, parish, or other approved organization, to maintain records of the volunteers involved with ministries and programs and coordinate training requirements of the same volunteers

Volunteer Leader: a person who takes a leadership position with any ministry, including ministries that involve direct interaction with children, youth or vulnerable persons. Example positions include: youth leader, Sunday School Coordinator, Pastoral Council Chair, building maintenance manager, etc.

Victim: refers to a person who has suffered abuse.

Vulnerable adult: A person defined as an adult by secular statutes, but who lacks an adult mental capacity or who, by reason of advanced age, physical illness, mental disorder, or disability might be unable to protect himself or herself from significant harm or exploitation. Therefore, an adult who habitually lacks the use of reason is considered incapable of personal responsibility and is to be considered equivalent to a minor according to canon law and for the purposes of this document

Vulnerable Persons:

anyone of any age who might easily be exploited by another, including children, youth and some adults
anyone who is at some disadvantage, unable to fully protect themselves from harm
anyone who is at risk because of age, disability, handicap or circumstances such as emotional distress due to extreme crisis or trauma or desperate social or material need
vulnerability may be caused by anything that limits mature judgment and free activity

Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC): a process that verifies whether an individual has a criminal record, as well as any record suspensions (formerly pardons) for sexual offences and local police records for information relevant to the check. A Vulnerable Sector Police Information Check (VSC) includes a check of local police records to determine the existence of a pattern of behaviour that may result in harm to vulnerable persons, including minors.

a VSC is required for high risk ministry volunteers or employees in a position of trust or authority over children under 18 years of age, and/or with the elderly, the disabled or any vulnerable person

Youth: a person who is under 18 years of age.

Screening and Training

Volunteer and Employee Screening

All parish and eparchial individuals providing ministry, including all clergy, religious, seminarians, laity, employees and volunteers, will undergo Volunteer and Employee Screening according to eparchial procedures to determine their suitability for ministry and/or employment. This is to ensure current and new volunteers and employees meet set standards and to ensure that ministries, programs and activities are managed in a safe and professional way.

Screening checks (PIC and VSC) include information that is available to police services at the time the check is being processed. There is no guarantee that the information will still be accurate and complete within a few months, weeks, or even days. For this reason, applicants may be asked to repeat the process when seeking new positions or when seeking a move to existing positions that they do not currently hold.

Safe Environment Training

All parish and eparchial individuals providing ministry, including all clergy, religious, seminarians, laity, employees and volunteers, will undergo Safe Environment Training as required by their ministry and/or employment.

Safe Environment Training teaches us how to identify abuse, not only in our Church, but also in our families and communities, and sets standards of appropriate behaviour within the Church so that inappropriate behaviour is easily noticeable and can be addressed immediately. It also teaches us when and how to report abuse to church and civil authorities.

Requirements

For Volunteers

The Slovak Eparchy of Toronto recognizes the great value of all its volunteers. In the context of providing a safe church environment for all, it is necessary to have certain policies in place, not only to determine the suitability of the volunteer for ministry, but also to equip that volunteer with the appropriate training to work with vulnerable persons and to raise awareness of abuse prevention within the Church and beyond.

There are two types of ministries within the Church: general risk and high risk. It is the nature of the ministry and the inherent risk factor for abuse that determine the procedures required for screening, not the character of the volunteer. For example, a volunteer who is alone with a vulnerable person necessitates a more thorough screening procedure than a volunteer who participates in a group setting.

General Risk Ministry

Examples

Altar Server, Baptismal Preparation Team, Bible Study Coordinator, Choir Director, Family Life Committee Coordinator, Hospitality Coordinator, Greeter/Usher, Marriage Preparation Facilitator, Prayer Group Coordinator, etc.

Requirements

Interview

Working Together for Safe Environments

Employee/Volunteer Information Form (Adults)

The Slovak Eparchy of Toronto is dedicated to providing safe pastoral environments. It is the policy of the Eparchy to screen all eparchial and parish employee/volunteer ministry positions.

Name: _______________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________

City: _____________________________ Province: ____________________________

Postal code: _______________________ Home Phone: ________________________

Work Place: ________________________ Work Phone: ________________________

E-Mail: ________________________________________________________________

Emergency Contact:

Name:________________________________________________________________

Phone: (Home) _______________________ (Other) ___________________________

Relationship to employee/volunteer: _________________________________________

FOR PARISH/EPARCHIAL USE ONLY

Parish Name: __________________________________________________________

Ministry Position(s):______________________________________________________

Have you held a volunteer/employment position with another organization/parish before? ❑ Yes ❑ No

If Yes, describe: ________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Do you belong to a parish within the Slovak Eparchy of Toronto?

If yes, which one and for how long have you been a part of the parish community? ______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Ministry/employment position(s) for which you are applying or are currently involved in: ______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

If this position is not available, would you consider a different ministry? ❑ Yes ❑ No

If yes, which other ministries might interest you? _______________________________

______________________________________________________________________

I certify that the information provided on this Employee/Volunteer Information Form is true and complete. I understand that this information will remain confidential and is property of the Parish/Pastoral Centre. As well, I understand that my name and phone number will be given to the appropriate ministry coordinator/leader so that she/he may contact me.

Signature: _______________________________ Date: ______________________

Working Together for Safe Environments

Employee/Volunteer Information Form (Minors)

The Slovak Eparchy of Toronto is dedicated to providing safe pastoral environments. It is the policy of the Eparchy to screen all eparchial and parish employee/volunteer ministry positions.

Name: _______________________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________

City: _____________________________ Province: ____________________________

Postal code: _______________________ Home Phone: ________________________

Work Place: _______________________ Cell Phone: __________________________

E-Mail: ______________________________________________________________________

Emergency Contact:

Name: ________________________________________________________________

Phone: (Home) _______________________ (Other) ___________________________

Relationship to employee/volunteer: _________________________________________

FOR PARISH/EPARCHIAL USE ONLY

Parish Name: __________________________________________________________

Ministry Position(s):______________________________________________________

Have you held a volunteer/employment position with another organization/parish before? ❑ Yes ❑ No

If Yes, describe: ________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Do you belong to a parish within the Slovak Eparchy of Toronto?

If yes, which one and how long have you been a part of the parish community? ______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Ministry/employment position(s) for which you are applying or are currently involved in: ______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

If this position is not available, would you consider a different ministry? ❑ Yes ❑ No

If yes, which other ministries might interest you? _______________________________

______________________________________________________________________

I certify that the information provided on this Employee/Volunteer Information Form is true and complete. I understand that this information will remain confidential and is property of the Parish/Pastoral Centre. As well, I understand that my name and phone number will be given to the appropriate ministry coordinator/leader so that she/he may contact me.

Signature: _______________________________ Date: _______________________

PARENT/GUARDIAN CONSENT

I give permission for _______________________________ to volunteer/work at _______________________________ and I take responsibility for him/her. I understand that he/she is to participate as an employee/volunteer and will be expected to comply with all Safe Environment Policies and be faithful in fulfilling his/her duties. I also understand that if he/she should fail to keep a commitment without giving adequate advance notice, his/her participation or employment may be re-evaluated.

Name: _______________________ Signature: _______________________________

Email: _______________________________________ Phone: __________________

Relationship to volunteer/employee: ________________ Date: ___________________

*Once signed, this document is to be kept in the volunteer’s/employee’s file in the Pastoral Centre/parish office

…………………………………………………………………………

Covenant of Care

Slovak Eparchy of Toronto

Safe Environments Policy

Covenant of Care

The Slovak Eparchy of Toronto strives to provide a safe pastoral environment for everyone, including children, youth and vulnerable adults, as well as for those who minister on behalf of the Church.

▪ I understand that my actions in ministering to and serving the faithful in the Slovak Eparchy of Toronto are to be consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church and exercised in a pastoral manner.

▪ I promise that all of my ministerial relationships, especially those with children, youth, and vulnerable adults, will be appropriate and in accordance with my ministry.

▪ I promise to conduct my ministry within the parameters of the Slovak Eparchy of Toronto Safe Environment Policy, and I promise to adhere to all of its procedures.

▪ I promise to adhere to the Slovak Eparchy of Toronto Code of Pastoral Conduct and Electronic Communications and Technology Policy.

▪ I promise to respect confidentiality and privacy, unless a child, youth or vulnerable person is in danger, then I will report to the proper authorities, including child protective services and/or the police.

▪ I understand that any type of abuse will not be tolerated. I understand that any allegation of abuse made against me will result in my immediate removal from the ministry or program and, subject to the results of an investigation in accordance with eparchial protocols, that it many end my ministerial relationship with the Church.

▪ I will consult with my director, pastor, or volunteer leader should I require further clarification concerning my ministry or service.

I have read this Covenant of Care and commit to it in my desire to serve in the Church and build up the Kingdom of God.

________________________ __________________________ _______________

Name of Cleric/Employee/Volunteer Signature of Cleric/Employee/Volunteer Date (day/month/year)

________________ _______________________ __________________

Name of Witness Signature of Witness Date (day/month/year)

__________________________________ _______________________________

Name of Parish Ministry Position

*Once signed, this document is kept in the cleric’s/employee’s/volunteer’s file in the Pastoral Centre/ministry/parish office

…………………………………………………………………………

Code of Pastoral Conduct

Policy Statement

Those who minister as clergy, employees and volunteers on behalf of the Slovak Eparchy of Toronto must conduct themselves in a manner that upholds Christian values and behaviour.

Intent of Policy

To provide clear standards of behaviour for those who minister in the Church in order to create safe and respectful Church communities and responsible, healthy ministerial relationships.

Procedure

General Expectations

1. All clergy, employees and volunteers will confirm in writing their adherence to this Code of Pastoral Conduct by signing the Slovak Eparchy in Toronto Covenant of Care.

2. All clergy, employees and volunteers are responsible to maintain their own personal, spiritual, physical and psychological health and are expected to maintain good hygiene, proper appearance and wear clean, modest and appropriate clothing.

3. Clergy, employees and volunteers assume the full burden of responsibility for adherence to the Code of Pastoral Conduct and for establishing and maintaining clear, appropriate and respectful physical, emotional and social boundaries in all ministerial relationships and situations, especially those involving minors and vulnerable adults.

4. All clergy, employees and volunteers are expected to provide ministry that is free of physical, sexual, psychological, verbal, written or electronic harassment, misconduct or abuse, including bullying, grooming or any other exploitative behaviours inappropriate to the ministerial relationship.

5. Clergy, employees and volunteers must not:

a) use alcohol and/or cannabis when in active ministry and/or working with youth or vulnerable adults

b) possess or use illegal drugs at any time

c) possess or distribute child pornography

6. All clergy, staff and volunteers in a position of trust or who are involved in a ministerial relationship where ministry is conducted via any form of electronic communication will also govern themselves in compliance with the Slovak Eparchy of Toronto Electronic Communication and Technology Policy.

7. Physical Boundaries

a) Appropriate physical contact includes, but are not limited to:

• Shoulder to shoulder hugs, pats on the shoulder or back

• Handshakes, high fives/hard fives

• Verbal praise

• Holding hands while walking with small children or during prayer

• Pats on the head when culturally appropriate.

b) Inappropriate/prohibited forms of physical contact include, but are not limited to:

• Kisses on the mouth, lengthy/inappropriate embraces

• Holding minors on one’s lap

• Touching a person’s private parts, knees or thighs as a sign of affection

• Showing physical displays of affection in isolated areas

• Sleeping in the same bed as a minor/vulnerable person

• Wrestling with, tickling or giving massages or piggyback rides to a minor

• Any display of unwanted affection

• Compliments relating to sexual attractiveness or sexual development P4

Minors and Vulnerable Adults

8. Two qualified adults who have been screened and trained for ministry within the Slovak Eparchy of Toronto must be present for all Church sponsored activities, programs, transport and/or pastoral care outreach that involve minors or vulnerable adults. The two qualified adults must not be related. However, qualified adults who are related may minister together in this regard as long as there are other qualified adults present.

9. When ministering to minors or vulnerable adults, the following must be observed:

a) programs, activities and ministry must occur in appropriate areas of Church property that are open to public view

b) two qualified adults always must be present

c) windows in doors should never be covered and/or doors should be left open during the Sacrament of Confession - the confessor and penitent must be clearly visible, as through clear glass in confessional doors, or as in open areas, such as in front of the iconostasis

d) in all cases, the supervision must be reasonably adequate to ensure the safety and well-being of the minors and/or vulnerable persons present

10. Clergy, employees and volunteers should avoid being alone with a minor or vulnerable adult in a private residence, sleeping facility, locker room, rest room, dressing facility, or other closed room or area that is inappropriate to a ministerial relationship.

11. Off-site or overnight activities with minors must be solely for the purposes of an organized group program and held in a public area, with at least two qualified adults and for which parents have given written permission on the Parent Consent Form.

12. Clergy, employees and volunteers must sleep in separate areas from minors or vulnerable adults on over-night activities. Church personnel are not to share private overnight accommodations with individual minors or vulnerable adults.

13. In cases where minors or vulnerable persons may be in a state of undress, such as in a dorm room or bathroom, two qualified adults must be present to supervise. Access to such places is limited to those who are authorized for ministry. Other staff members, volunteers and parents are not permitted to enter these areas while in they are in active use. Under no circumstances is anyone allowed to take a photo or video in areas where minors or adults may be changing clothes.

14. No clergy, employee or volunteer is permitted to take personal trips or vacations with a minor or vulnerable adult whose relationship has been established through a Church ministry.

15. Clergy, employees and volunteers should not help children with toileting or diapering. Girls and boys must not change together, and adults must change separately from minors.

16. Clergy, employees and volunteers shall not engage in corporal punishment of minors or vulnerable adults in their care.

17. Clergy, employees and volunteers will not dispense medications to minors without written consent from a parent or legal guardian.

18. All allegations of harassment, misconduct or abuse (i.e., sexual abuse, grooming, bullying, etc.) must be taken seriously and reported to the appropriate person in charge (i.e., pastor or program administrator) who will then report it to the Pastoral Centre.

19. Those who learn information indicating clear and imminent danger to a minor or vulnerable adult, including the sexual, physical, emotional abuse or neglect of a minor, must take the allegations seriously and report first to the proper civil authorities, including the police, as required by the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act, as well as to the appropriate person in charge (i.e., pastor or program administrator) who will then report it to the Pastoral Centre. P6

20. All clergy, employees and volunteers must report their own ethical or professional misconduct and the misconduct of others to their immediate supervisor.

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Electronic Communication and Technology Policy

Policy Statement

Electronic communication and the use of technology within the Church and its ministry is an effective means of evangelization. Clergy, employees and volunteers who minister on behalf of the Slovak Eparchy of Toronto and its parishes must use electronic communication and technology, including, but not limited to, organizational websites, blogs, email, text messages, social networking accounts, pages, and other platforms, in a manner that upholds Christian values and behaviour.

Intent of Policy

To provide clear standards for the use of electronic communication, technology and social media platforms by clergy, employees and volunteers as it pertains to their ministry within the Church.

Procedure

General Expectations

1. All clergy, employees and volunteers will confirm in writing their adherence to this Electronic Communication and Technology Policy by signing the Covenant of Care.

2. Clergy, employees and volunteers assume the full burden of responsibility for adherence to the Electronic Communication and Technology Policy.

Administration

3. Parish and eparchial websites, blogs and social media accounts:

a) must be administered through the parish or eparchy

b) must be regularly monitored by the pastor or eparchial director and/or administrators

c) must be used exclusively for Church ministry

d) must reflect the teachings of the Catholic Church

e) must be protected by a password, known and held in confidence by at least two qualified adults who are appointed as administrators by the pastor or eparchial director, as well as the pastor or eparchial director

f) must honour copyright and license agreements - music, videos and photos may only be used with permission of the original source.

g) must not be used for conducting outside/personal business

h) must not be linked to a personal account

i) must not be used for socializing, counseling minors or vulnerable persons, prolonged conversations or any interactions of a personal nature.

j) must not be of a political nature that supports or opposes a candidate or political party in Canada or abroad. Such material is not permitted on any parish or eparchial website, blog, or social media account.

4. Electronic communication

a) Parish and eparchial staff involved in ministry must use a parish or eparchial based email account.

b) Clergy, employees, and volunteers must observe the following when using a computer, the internet, any electronic device, or email accounts provided by the Church:

i. Respect the privacy of others

ii. Safeguard user IDs and passwords

iii. Scan for viruses when downloading files from the internet

iv. Never attempt to bypass, block, or remove filtering software

v. Protect confidential information from unauthorized use or disclosure

vi. Never post, share or email material that is inappropriate to their ministry

vii. Never use these devices, accounts or the internet for inappropriate/illegal purposes

c) Clergy, employees and volunteers who use their personal cell phones and other devices and/or accounts for electronic communication for their work in the Church must do so in a manner that is befitting their professional role in ministry.

5. Oversight

a) The Eparchy reserves the right to review, monitor, track and analyze (with or without notice) electronic communications of clergy, employees, and volunteers which have been generated by parish or eparchial accounts or that have been sent using equipment or devices provided by or belonging to the Eparchy or its parishes, especially where there are reasonable grounds that eparchial policy may be in violation.

b) All inappropriate electronic communication must be made known to the immediate supervisor and/or proper authorities.

Privacy

6. Parish lists and parishioner contact information must not be published or posted online.

7. Financial contributions may be acknowledged publicly with the permission of the donor.

8. Emails sent to ministry group participants must not disclose recipients’ contact information without permission. In most cases, the blind carbon copy (bcc) function should be used when sending emails to more than one individual to protect individuals’ privacy.

9. A statement authorizing the use of photos and videos of ministry participants on ministry social media platforms must be included in every parish or eparchial activity registration or permission form.

10. Signs must be clearly posted at each entryway, alerting individuals that church services or events are recorded or live streamed.

Minors/Vulnerable Adults

11. Clergy, employees and volunteers must obtain written consent of a parent/guardian:

a) before posting the personal information, including photos and/or videos, of a minor or vulnerable person on any social media platform

b) before sharing the contact information of minors/vulnerable adults with others

c) before they can communicate with minors/vulnerable persons through telephone, cell phone, text messaging, email, social networks, or other electronic means

d) prior to a minor’s or vulnerable adult’s participation on a parish or eparchial social networking site

e) in order to initiate/accept “friend/follow” requests of minors on a parish or eparchial social networking site

12. Clergy, employees and volunteers must not initiate “friend/follow” requests with minors from their personal accounts.

13. Parents must be given access to all communications between their children and clergy, employees or volunteers if requested.

14. Two qualified adults must be present for all live chat or video conferencing involving minors or vulnerable adults.

15. Every one-on-one electronic correspondence between an adult and a minor will have a second adult present and/or electronically copied.

16. Electronic communication between an adult and a minor/vulnerable person should not be used to address/discuss confidential matters.

17. Minors should not be given access to the private or personal postings or emails of an adult (clergy, employee or volunteer).

18. All interactions between clergy, employees and volunteers and minors/vulnerable adults should reflect the ministerial role of the person in ministry.

Safe Environment Training (recommended)

High-Risk Ministry

Examples

Altar Server Coordinator, Bereavement Team Member, Children’s Catechist, Children’s Initiation Team, Children’s Choir Director, Collection Counting Team, Custodian/Building Maintenance Person, Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister, Keyholder, Lay Pastoral Visitor, Lector, Parish Pastoral Council Member (including Finance Council member), Parish Volunteer Screening Coordinator and Committee Member, Sacramental Preparation Team Member, Sunday School Coordinator/Teacher, Youth Director/Minister, etc.

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Requirements

Interview

Safe Environment Policy

High Risk Ministry Reference List and PIC Consent

Please provide three references who can describe your suitability for this employment/ministry (for example, friends, neighbours, other parishioners, work associates, etc.). Please remember to notify these people that the parish will be contacting them.

References

Name: ____________________________ Relationship to applicant: _______________

Address: _______________________________ City: __________________________

Postal Code: ______________ Phone Number: _______________________________ Email:_________________________________________________________________

Name: ____________________________ Relationship to applicant: _______________

Address: _______________________________ City: __________________________ Postal Code: ______________ Phone Number: _______________________________ Email:_________________________________________________________________

Name: ___________________________ Relationship to applicant: _______________

Address: _______________________________ City: __________________________

Postal Code: ______________ Phone Number: _______________________________ Email:_________________________________________________________________

Consent

I, __________________________________________, authorize the Parish Volunteer

(name of applicant)

Screening Committee of _________________________________________ or the

(name of parish)

Slovak Eparchy of Toronto to contact the references listed on this form, in order to collect the information that is appropriate to the position. I understand that the information obtained will be confidential.

Signature: ____________________________ Date: ____________________________

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Police Information Check and Vulnerable Sector Check

I agree provide a Police Information Check (and Vulnerable Sector Check if required) before I can participate in any high risk ministry position within or be employed by the Slovak Eparchy of Toronto. I understand that only the Pastor or the Safe Environments Coordinator reviews this information.

Signature: ____________________________ Date: ____________________________

Please check that the following have been received, read and signed where applicable:

❑ The Ministry Position Description for the position for which I am ministering.

❑ The Covenant of Care, Electronic Communication and Technology Policy, and Code of Ethics and Accountability

❑ The contact information of my Ministry Coordinator/ Supervisor.

I am aware of the responsibilities and the limits of this ministry position and agree to meet them. I understand that I represent the Slovak Eparchy of Toronto as an employee or volunteer only when I am functioning as described in the Ministry Position Description. I agree to keep confidential any information that I may come across regarding the affairs of the Slovak Eparchy of Toronto, this parish, its clergy, other volunteers, and parishioners, unless otherwise directed by law or by authorities from the Slovak Eparchy of Toronto.

Signature: ___________________________________ Date: _____________________

Parish Volunteer Screening Committee/Safe Environment Coordinator

Name: ________________________________________________________________

Signature: ____________________________________ Date: ____________________

Working Together for Safe Environments

Employee/Volunteer Information Form (Adults)

The Slovak Eparchy of Toronto is dedicated to providing safe pastoral environments. It is the policy of the Eparchy to screen all eparchial and parish employee/volunteer ministry positions.

Name: ________________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________

City: _____________________________ Province: ____________________________

Postal code: _______________________ Home Phone: ________________________

Work Place: ________________________ Work Phone: ________________________

E-Mail: ________________________________________________________________

Emergency Contact:

Name: ________________________________________________________________

Phone: (Home) _______________________ (Other) ___________________________

Relationship to employee/volunteer: _________________________________________

FOR PARISH/EPARCHIAL USE ONLY

Parish Name: __________________________________________________________

Ministry Position(s):______________________________________________________

Have you held a volunteer/employment position with another organization/parish before? ❑ Yes ❑ No

If Yes, describe: ________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Do you belong to a parish within the Slovak Eparchy of Toronto?

If yes, which one and for how long have you been a part of the parish community? _____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Ministry/employment position(s) for which you are applying or are currently involved in: ______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

If this position is not available, would you consider a different ministry? ❑ Yes ❑ No

If yes, which other ministries might interest you? _______________________________

______________________________________________________________________

I certify that the information provided on this Employee/Volunteer Information Form is true and complete. I understand that this information will remain confidential and is property of the Parish/Pastoral Centre. As well, I understand that my name and phone number will be given to the appropriate ministry coordinator/leader so that she/he may contact me.

Signature: _______________________________ Date: ______________________

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Working Together for Safe Environments

Employee/Volunteer Information Form (Minors)

The Slovak Eparchy of Toronto is dedicated to providing safe pastoral environments. It is the policy of the Eparchy to screen all eparchial and parish employee/volunteer ministry positions.

Name: ______________________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________

City: _____________________________ Province: ____________________________

Postal code: _______________________ Home Phone: ________________________

Work Place: _______________________ Cell Phone: __________________________

E-Mail: ______________________________________________________________________

Emergency Contact:

Name: ________________________________________________________________

Phone: (Home) _______________________ (Other) ___________________________

Relationship to employee/volunteer: _________________________________________

FOR PARISH/EPARCHIAL USE ONLY

Parish Name: __________________________________________________________

Ministry Position(s):______________________________________________________

Have you held a volunteer/employment position with another organization/parish before? ❑ Yes ❑ No If Yes, describe__________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Do you belong to a parish within the Slovak Eparchy of Toronto? If yes, which

one and how long have you been a part of the parish community?