The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) formulated a document in 2002 entitled: "The Charter for the Protection of Children & Young People." The purpose of the document was to set guidelines as to how best go about keeping our children & youth safe while on our parish grounds and attending parish functions. The Diocese of Burlington has worked hard to implement these mandates. For parish-based religious education programs such as at Holy Family & St. Lawrence, the following requirements must be met: 

Specific Requirements for Every Individual that Works with Children /Youth:

• Read & adhere to the Adult Code of Conduct
• Criminal Background Check
• Application filled out for each volunteer
• References checked
• Interview completed (or orientation meeting)
• Virtus training completed (3 hours) (must be over 18 yr. to attend)
• Registered with Virtus Online & continuing education up to date

• Virtus trainings required for catechists /recommended for all parents
• Mailings detailing safety principals for families
• Safe Environment Classes (for grades 5-10, youth group)
• Code of Conduct for Children & Youth (to be covered in the above classes)
• Install /update an educational billboard of Virtus materials
• Locks installed on most inside doors to further secure our parish grounds
• All Documentation completed (applications, interviews, etc.)
• Babysitters use for parish functions must be appropriately trained (Red Cross type training)
• Sign in /out policy for all R.E. & V.B.S. kids
• Permission slips required for minors involved in any extracurricular parish event