Is this happening everywhere?

[Bushido216]

My parish has instituted a new policy where, if I agree to continue my volunteer work, I have to undergo background checks, get references, etc. etc. etc.

I imagine that this is in response to the sex abuse whatnot. While there hasn't been any that I'm aware at my parish they're taking it very seriously.

I applaud the effort, I was just wondering if this is a nation-wide effort or if this is specific to my parish.

 

[Carrye]

It's the nationwide VIRTUS training.

 

[InnerPhyre]

Sad that it's come to this. If we can't trust those working for the Church, we can trust no one.

 

[Glynnw]

Yes, it is happening at all churches and it must be new policy.

 

[seebs]

Hi! Not to intrude, but I'm immensely curious: What would they do with the results of the background check? Are there things that could exist in someone's path that would be a barrier to such service?

How do we reconcile Christian forgiveness with our understandable desire to protect people from possible dangers?

(Not debating, just asking! I couldn't possibly debate this one, I have no answers.)

 

[Maggie893]

If the background check brought out any sexual,abuse or violent situations in the past they would not be able to volunteer or work for the Church in any capacity that would involve youth and children and depending on the situation it may include the elderly and the general populace of the Church.

Forgiveness is given of course through confession of all sins if the person is truly repentent. However the Church must protect the people of the parish especially those who can not protect themselves. It's a consequence of sin which is not removed simply by forgiveness. There usually are still roles the person can play that won't harm anyone.

Much of the hoopla from the sexual abuse scandals stemmed from this very issue. Priests who had issues with sexual abuse were often put through therapy and if deemed healed were allowed to serve other parishes. In most of the cases the parishes that they went to never had problems because they were healthy at that point but the majority of the opinions would say it's too much to risk even one child so never again will that happen.

 

[ShannonMcCatholic]

Another thought to add - in video we had to watch this year before beginning RE- it pointed out that churches are one of the last places where people can come in and immeadiately have full access to unsupervised contact with children. Those seeking to do harm know this and exploit the system.

The background checks are primarily to see if a person is a known sex offender- or has some other history of hurting children. Ususally just the fact that this material must be provided is enough to stave off those whose main purpose is to do harm....

 

[geocajun]

Yes, all volunteers with access to kids in catholic churches have to undergo background checks to ensure you have never been convicted of a sexual crime against children.

 

[AMDG]

My parish has instituted a new policy where, if I agree to continue my volunteer work, I have to undergo background checks, get references, etc. etc. etc.

I imagine that this is in response to the sex abuse whatnot. While there hasn't been any that I'm aware at my parish they're taking it very seriously.

I applaud the effort, I was just wondering if this is a nation-wide effort or if this is specific to my parish.

Actually it's been like that for years at my parish. At first I thought that it wasn't necessary, was burdensome, and was paranoid of them. I even argued that with our Deacon about this policy. Thankfully he didn't feel that way. Now I see the wisdom. It's good protection. (As volunteers, we are also not allowed to be alone with ANY student.)

 

[smaosf]

it's in this diocese -- all teachers/staff in Catholic schools and and daycare centers have to undergo check, and attend a mandatory program.

 

[Bushido216]

Actually it's been like that for years at my parish. At first I thought that it wasn't necessary, was burdensome, and was paranoid of them. I even argued that with our Deacon about this policy. Thankfully he didn't feel that way. Now I see the wisdom. It's good protection. (As volunteers, we are also not allowed to be alone with ANY student.)

Heh, well, during the saturday mass (held in the auditorium of the Catholic school there, sunday masses are in the Church), for the first half-hour they have a program where Scripture Sharers (me ) give little kids a simplified version of the days scripture.

We're all in our own classrooms. I can't see how I can not be alone w/ little kids. It's that way with me and the other twenty-odd groups. Maybe they mean one-on-one situations?

I'm not worried about the background check. It's just that you have to be super-careful to avoid any semblance of impropriety, and that's going to be a hassle that I really don't want.

 

[Carlos Vigil]

My parish has instituted a new policy where, if I agree to continue my volunteer work, I have to undergo background checks, get references, etc. etc. etc.

I imagine that this is in response to the sex abuse whatnot. While there hasn't been any that I'm aware at my parish they're taking it very seriously.

I applaud the effort, I was just wondering if this is a nation-wide effort or if this is specific to my parish.

I'm with you, Bush...
I also aplaud the effort, I work in the Catechumenate for adults and was scheduled to make a presentation to the Children in VBS.
I filled the forms for the background check and was glad to to so, as I did when I was a public school teacher.

It shines THE LIGHT on the naive notion that "everyone who goes to church is good."
would you believe that satan also comes to church ?

This is part of THE GIFT OF DISCERNMENT.

Carlos

 

[Father Rick]

FYI... this is not JUST a Catholic Chuch issue...

Many protestant church have started doing the same thing due to the number of lawsuits against churches. Apparently the way the law is leaning, if someone is working for the church, even as a volunteer, they are considered an 'official' representative of the church and therefore the church can be liable for their actions.


It's a shame it's come to this...

 

[faerieevaH]

I remember when I started giving confirmation classes over ten years ago, I didn't think twice about hugging a little eleven year old girl that had just lost her grandmother. Then the Dutroux affair burst loose, which wasn't even church related. All of a sudden we became very... conscious about how everything could be misinterpreted.
I applaud the effort, and the background check (while it hasn't been installed here) seems like a good idea. Still I miss being able to give comfort to a girl or a boy that's crying by simply putting my arms around them like a mom would, without a worry.

 

[Maggie893]

Heh, well, during the saturday mass (held in the auditorium of the Catholic school there, sunday masses are in the Church), for the first half-hour they have a program where Scripture Sharers (me ) give little kids a simplified version of the days scripture.

We're all in our own classrooms. I can't see how I can not be alone w/ little kids. It's that way with me and the other twenty-odd groups. Maybe they mean one-on-one situations?

I'm not worried about the background check. It's just that you have to be super-careful to avoid any semblance of impropriety, and that's going to be a hassle that I really don't want.

You are correct about how difficult it is. Usually in classroon situations it is recommended that you leave the classroom door open if it's not too disruptive to others or if you can't do that, there needs to be a window in the door. Many Catholic schools have modified their doors to include windows for just this reason.

It's not just a one-on-one situation, it's one adult to many kids as well. As a solo youth leader in my Church, I find it very difficult. Many teenagers want someone they can talk to privately every now and then. Few adults are willing to consistently volunteer their time to the youth. The kids also need hugs every now and then.

I do appreciate the program as it is necessity and I will work through the difficulties but it certainly is not easy.

 

[Bushido216]

This year my classroom is actually a Spec. Ed. room in the back of the library. Another class uses the library (it's not that large, and they sit near my door) so I've been closing my door. I only do this since a big ol' window looks right into my classroom. Even before this I was worried about a parent accusing me of giving little Johnny a bad touch or something. I just don't feel it fair to the group 20 feet away from me to have to listen to the discussion of 10 nine-year-olds with high-pitched voices.