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Leadership In Youth Ministry

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Code of Conduct for Youth

Last Revised on January 13, 2012

The youth minister should have clearly defined guidelines for participation and procedures for dealing with violations of those guidelines. Guidelines should be based on the mission statement of the parish youth ministry, and should be communicated to both parents and young people. Guidelines should be stated in writing. Parishes may consider asking parents and young people to sign a statement confirming that they have read the guidelines and agree to abide by them.

The diocesan Code of Conduct, Form G, can be used in conjunction Form A or Form B. In most cases, Form B will be sufficient, however, when it is necessary to have a more comprehensive code of conduct, Form G should be used. Having a young person and their parents sign this at the beginning of the year would indicate that they understand the guidelines while participating in onsite ministry.  When taking young people on a trip, on a retreat, to work camp, or other off site events, Form G can serve as a reminder of the standards to which they have agreed.

Adult leaders in ministry are advised to have a clear plan in place regarding the consequences of young people (or other adults) who fail to follow the Code of Conduct. Use of the Guidelines for Sending a Young Person Home in Appendix Four is recommended.

Form G can be edited for specific events (specific behaviors in a hotel setting, for instance).

Related Policies:

The following must be part of any statement of a Code of Conduct for youth for participation in youth ministry: 1947

Possession of alcohol, drugs and tobacco products are not permitted at any time at any youth ministry function. Anyone found in possession of these items will be sent home immediately. If the youth function is held off parish grounds, the parents will be requested to come and retrieve their son/daughter. In the event the function is a distance away from the parish, the young person will be sent home with the cost borne by the parents. 1948

No types of weapons are permitted at any youth ministry function. Persons carrying a weapon will be dismissed immediately to the custody of a parent. 1949

Inappropriate behavior, including the use of offensive language, and inappropriate attire, will not be tolerated. 1950