Commentary » Leadership In Youth Ministry

More

• Self Care
• Christian Witness
• Professional Duty
• Avoiding Scandal
• Signs of a Professional in Youth Ministry
• General Tips for Leaders
• Diocesan Certification
• Youth Ministry and the Law
• Liability Guidelines
• Confidentiality
• Copyright Laws
  • Print
  • Movies
  • Why is Copyright Infringement a Concern?
  • TV Broadcasts
• For the Sake of God's Children: Diocesan Guidelines
• Supervision and Supervisors
• Cleared Adults and Volunteer Covenant
• Visiting Instructors/Camps
• CYM ID Badges
• Code of Conduct for Youth
• Permission, Medical Release Consent Form
• Attendance, Arrival, and Dismissal of Events
• Medical Injuries and Emergencies
• Injury/Incident Report
• Off-site Parish Youth Ministry & Site Selection
• Water & Physical Challenge Activities
• Hotel Rooms, Camp Settings, and Private Homes
• Inspecting Bags and Collecting Personal Electronic Devices
• Water Parks and Amusement Parks
• Movie and Video Game Ratings
• Drivers and Insurance
• Passenger Vans and Rental Vehicles
• Water Craft and Non-Automobile Accidents
• Emergency, Security Plans, and Corporal Punishment
• Diocesan Events

 

Passenger Vans & Rental Vehicles

Last Revised on January 13, 2012

In the interest of safety for youth and adult participants in Diocese of Wilmington
programs, the evaluation and regulation of the use of 15-passenger vans is critical.

Federal law prohibits the sale of 15-passenger vans for school related transport of high school and younger students. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued warnings to users of 15-passenger vans due to increased roll over risks under certain conditions. It has been determined that risks increase significantly when vans carry more than 10 passengers.

Because of these risks, it is important that experienced drivers who are familiar with the handling characteristics of these vehicles operate passenger vans.

Participation in defensive driving courses is recommended where such courses are available.

In consultation with the insurance company for the Diocese of Wilmington, and because of the difference in how they are constructed, 12 passenger vans are acceptable for use in transporting young people.

Rental Vehicles

When renting vehicles for youth ministry activities, the agent of the parish (youth minister, secretary, pastor) should contact the parish or diocesan Office for Catholic Youth Ministry to request a certificate of insurance. This form will provide the rental agency with proof of insurance and will cover any damage incurred while the vehicle is in use. Be sure to include any additional drivers and to make the rental arrangements in the name of the parish, not a person’s name. Public transportation and regularly scheduled airlines/vessels operate under strict equipment, personnel and insurance requirements and there are recommended means for large group travel. For in-town transit of large groups, it is recommended that Churches hire local school bus companies to transport youth to and from events.

Related Policies: