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Legal and Liability

Frequently Asked Questions on Legal & Liability Issues

See the links at left for more information on more specific issues such as permission forms, copyright or social networking.

* Check out our new resource for parents: How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse

Who needs to be oriented to the Child Protection Decree and fingerprinted?

All priests, employees and regular volunteers. Regular volunteers are described as “an adult who is not a cleric or employee (for example, a catechist, scout leader, coach, server coordinator, etc.) who functions in a regular relationship with children. This includes interns, student teachers and others in similar capacities. A regular volunteer is one who has contact with children more than three (3) hours a month, or has contact with children more frequently than once a month, or participates in an overnight event with children.” (Child Protection Decree, 2008, p. 3)

When do I need to provide a permission and release form?

  • Any time you take youth off of the parish or school property.
  • Youth who are involved in regular on-going programs at the parish site (such as Religious Education) should have a release form on file for the year.

Where can I get a copy of a Permission and Release Form?

What requirements does the Archdiocese have regarding chaperones and drivers?

  • No youth may be utilized as drivers or chaperones.
  • All drivers must provide proof of a valid license and insurance.
  • The Archdiocesan Policy states that chaperones and drivers must be 18 years old and graduated from High School, however the Chancellor strongly recommends that no one under the age of 21 be allowed to drive or chaperone for a Jr. High or High School event.
  • For more information, see our Transportation page.