Volunteer Code of Conduct
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, youth, and vulnerable adults of our parishes, schools, facilities and diocese.
As a volunteer working with children, youth and vulnerable adults, I will
Safeguard, at all times, the well-being of those entrusted to my care.
Be a model at all times, representing and practicing the teachings of the Catholic faith in conduct, speech and dress.
Establish and maintain safe environments by preserving appropriate physical and emotional boundaries.
Participate in appropriate training as required by my supervisor, program coordinator and diocese.
Treat each person with respect, loyalty, patience, integrity, courtesy, dignity, charity, and consideration.
Avoid situations where I am alone with children, youth, and vulnerable adults at Church activities and as a representative of the diocese.
Use positive reinforcement rather than criticism, competition or comparison.
Neither accept expensive gifts from children, youth, and vulnerable adults nor give expensive gifts to them without the prior written approval from the parents or guardians, pastor administrator, supervisor or program director.
Immediately contact my supervisor and assist and cooperate in contacting the police if I believe a child, youth, or vulnerable adult is in imminent danger.
Immediately contact the Diocesan Assistance Coordinator who will, in turn, coordinate the appropriate response, if sexual abuse is suspected.
Cooperate fully in any investigation of abuse.
Exercise common sense and due consideration in all my actions when involved in diocesan activities with children, youth and vulnerable adults.
As a volunteer working with children, youth and vulnerable adults, I will not
Touch another in a sexual or other inappropriate manner.
Pose any health risk (i.e., no fevers or other contagious situations).
Strike, spank, shake or slap.
Humiliate, ridicule, threaten or degrade.
Use any discipline that frightens or humiliates.
Use profanity in the presence of children, youth, or vulnerable adult.
Use, possess, or be under the influence of illegal drugs at any time.
Use, possess, or be under the influence of alcohol at any time while volunteering.
Use or possess tobacco products in the presence of children, youth, or vulnerable adult.
Use or possess pornographic materials.
Engage in inappropriate communications with children, youth or vulnerable adults via computer/social networking media.
Drive a vehicle not in compliance with regulations and inspections while driving a child(ren), youth, or vulnerable adult
I understand that as a volunteer working with children, youth and vulnerable adults, I am subject to a criminal background check. I understand that actions inconsistent with this Code of Conduct or failure to take action mandated by this Code of Conduct may result in an investigation, possible suspension from my duties, and possible permanent dismissal from active ministry in accordance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (USCCB) and the Syracuse Diocese Child & Youth Protection Policy. I understand that this code is to be applied fairly and equitably on a case by case basis.