HEALTHY BOUNDARIES

SAFE TOUCH

PERMISSION

FORM

RELATIONSHIPS

DOCUMENTATION

Safe Touch

The Code of Conduct for Church Personnel of the Archdiocese of Baltimore states:

Those who work with minors should be aware that physical contact can be misconstrued. They should be aware of a minor’s vulnerability as well as their own.

• This does not mean that you can not hug a young person. You can give a young person a “side” hug.

• You can touch his or her shoulder or the top of head

DOCUMENTATION

You should keep good records…document everything.

• If Timmy is late for class or doesn’t show up at all – make a note of it.

• If you had a conversation with a young person, make a note of it.

DOCUMENT! DOCUMENT! DOCUMENT!

PERMISSION FORMS

• All activities held outside of the parish and all activities that include an overnight, require a permission form.

• Permission form should be accompanied by an information sheet for parents, outlining the program and noting emergency phone numbers.

Permission forms are intended to:

1. Seek permission for the young person to participate;

2. Express the intention of the youth ministry team to provide adequate and responsible supervision;

3. Get important information regarding medical insurance coverage for the young person;

4. Get the parent’s permission to obtain medical assistance in the event that the parent cannot be contacted.

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

Young People are not your friends. It is inappropriate for you to think of a young person as your friend. Hopefully, you have healthy adult relationships!

Healthy adult relationships gives us what we need to minister to young people. We need to give from abundance, not need. . . .

Healthy Yourself/ Healthy Boundaries

We minister in the same manner as the Lord… We give from our lives because of our calling. We don’t minister with an expectation of anything in return.

Your satisfaction comes from the exercising of gifts not the response of those you are ministering to. . .