Published Nov. 4, 2005
The Anchorage Archdiocese’s code of conduct
All personnel who work with youths in the Archdiocese of Anchorage are required to follow a code of conduct.
The code makes explicit the behavior standards expected in all situations involving youths. The code reads as follows:
• treat everyone with respect, loyalty, patience, integrity, courtesy, dignity and consideration;
• avoid situations where I am alone with a minor at church and school activities;
• use positive reinforcement rather than criticism, competition or comparison when working with minors;
• refuse to accept expensive gifts from minors or their parents without prior written approval from the pastor or administrator;
• refrain from giving expensive gifts to minors without prior written approval from the parents or guardian and the pastor or administrator;
• if a minor discloses information to me, as a volunteer, I may report this myself or I will report it to my supervisor (pastor, administrator) so that the supervisor can report the disclosure to the Office of Children’s Services (OCS). As a volunteer, I understand that I am not mandated to report to OCS and understand that the supervisor is expected to report this information about abuse;
• cooperate fully in any investigation of abuse of minors.
• smoke or use tobacco products in the presence of minors;
• use, possess or be under the influence of alcohol at any time while volunteering;
• use, possess or be under the influence of illegal drugs at any time;
• pose any health risk to minors (i.e., no fevers or other contagious situations);
• strike, spank, shake or slap minors;
• humiliate, ridicule, threaten or degrade minors;
• touch a minor in a sexual or other inappropriate manner;
• use any discipline that frightens or humiliates minors;
• use profanity in the presence of minors.