Policies on Ethics and Integrity in Ministry
As volunteers, paid staff, religious and clergy who serve the Catholic Diocese of Austin, we share in the ministry of Jesus Christ, a great privilege and an awesome responsibility. Our diocesan policies on Ethics and Integrity in Ministry, are rooted in the Catholic understanding that each individual must be respected and honored. Jesus had a deep, abiding respect for each human being and would not harm or mislead anyone in their personal or spiritual life. We must attempt to do likewise.
Our diocesan EIM policies and training focus primarily on the prevention of sexual abuse as is required by the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. However, from the beginning we realized that our policies must address more than the abuse of minors. As ministers in the Diocese of Austin we are called to demonstrate this by “doing our ministry” ethically and as people of integrity. Thus, our policies also address other behaviors that do not affirm our commitment that all who minister in the diocese do so with respect for all whom they serve. Such behaviors would include harassment, immoral conduct and breaches of confidentiality, to name a few.
Click here to view the diocesan policies on Ethics and Integrity in Ministry in English.
Click here to view the diocesan policies on Ethics and Integrity in Ministry in Spanish.You will receive a copy of the policies when you attend an EIM workshop. Please take the time to read these policies so that you may understand your role in upholding them. You will sign the diocesan Code of Ethics at the conclusion of the EIM workshop; committing to follow the policies of the diocese.
The policies also explain in detail procedures for reporting any suspicions of abuse or other violations of the policies. Please also note that it is a state law that anyone who suspects abuse of a minor must report it to local law enforcement officials.
These policies have been put into place after extensive research, discussion and much reflection. Statistics show that, while clergy sexual misconduct receives the most media attention, about half of all abuse perpetrated in parishes is done so by volunteers.
2008 EIM POLICY REVISIONS
The Diocese of Austin EIM policies require review every three (3) years by the Ethics and Integrity Review Board. In August, 2008 this process was completed and revisions to the policies were made based on this evaluation process, which includes the gathering of information about what other Catholic dioceses in the United States are doing and learning about best practices from professionals who study safe environment and sexual abuse prevention programs. Click here for a flyer that details the changes.
What changed? 1) The definition of those who serve in ministry to minors (and vulnerable adults) has been expanded, and 2) all adult volunteers who are required to be EIM compliant must now complete the EIM workshop every three (3) years. (see pgs 11 & 12 of the EIM Policies for additional information).
Why? Requiring EIM compliance provides individuals who work with minors (and vulnerable adults) a clearer understanding of boundaries, what interactions are appropriate and what to do if “something doesn’t look right”.
HOW TO BECOME COMPLIANT WITH DIOCESAN REQUIREMENTS
Without exception, all applicants for paid positions in the diocese, and all applicants for volunteer positions that involve work or service in ministries with minors (those under 18 yrs old) or vulnerable adults (any adult uniquely vulnerable to abuse because of physical or mental disability), must complete the following:
- The Application for Ministry that includes a release of information to conduct a criminal background check (click here to begin/continue an electronic application – eAppsDB); and
- Attend an EIM workshop (click here for a schedule of workshops), which includes a review of the EIM policies of the Diocese of Austin.
NOTE: ALL applicants shall participate in an EIM workshop within 60 days of completing the application. If the workshop attendance is completed first, the application should be complete immediately. Completion of the Ethics & Integrity in Ministry process (the “EIM process”) – application, background check and EIM workshop – is required for anyone working with minors.
The Application for Ministry is completed on a secure website. You will be asked for personal information; employment, educational and volunteer history; references and their contact information and approval to conduct a criminal record check. Information from this application will only be available to designated parish staff and limited diocesan officials. You need only complete the application once, regardless of your involvement in multiple parishes or schools in the diocese. The every three year workshop requirement does not require any action on the application.
The criminal background check will be completed by the diocese, based on information provided by you. The results will be held confidentially. The diocese will conduct a criminal background check every three years for every individual in a ministry for minors or vulnerable adults.
Our EIM sexual abuse prevention workshop is a research-based program that helps parents, volunteers and staff understand the nature of pedophilia and how to keep our churches and schools as safe environments for our children. It uses a media series, discussion and review of policies. There are opportunities for group discussion to clarify points. Workshops are scheduled on a regular basis at various locations throughout the diocese. Click here for a list of upcoming workshops or check with your parish for current workshop dates. There is no fee for the workshop, although advance registration is required. Workshop attendance is required every three (3) years for all employees and those volunteering in ministry with minors or vulnerable adults.
ENSURING PERSONAL INTEGRITY
We highly value the many volunteers who, through their generous giving of their time, talent and treasure, enrich our communities and serve our children. Our policies ensure that their personal integrity is not questioned and that all of us are taking seriously our responsibility to shelter from harm those most vulnerable among us, especially our children and vulnerable adults.
Thank you for being a part of our family of faith. Thank you for bringing to our family your gifts and talents – which include your gifts of Christian ethics and personal integrity. Together, we will continue the mission of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please contact either the Vicar General, the Superintendent of Schools or the diocesan Coordinator of Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) at (512) 949-2400.
Click here to read a report on the Austin Diocese's response to sexual abuse by church personnel.