Catechist Safe Environment Requirements
New York Archdiocese Safe Environment Program and Paperwork
All new applicants for positions with an Archdiocesan institution (18 years old and older), whether paid or volunteer, whose position or duties would place them in regular contact with minors, must fully comply with the following Safe Environment requirements:
Complete the Personnel Screening Process (i.e., complete the Safe Environment Questionnaire, submit to a background check, and acknowledge receipt of the Archdiocesan Policy Relating to Sexual Misconduct, and the appropriate Code of Conduct); and
Complete the Safe Environment Training appropriate to their position (only after you have completed the background check form and we have submitted it to the Archdiocese).
Volunteers who are under 18 may be in regular contact with children only if they are directly supervised by an adult who is in full compliance with the Safe Environment Requirements and who is actually present at the time and place where they are serving:
Age 16 or 17: complete a Safe Environment Questionnaire, submit to a background check (with parental consent), and attend a "Safer Spaces" class after the background check has been submitted. Review the Code of Conduct.
Age 14 or 15: complete a Safe Environment Questionnaire, and attend a "Safer Spaces" class, but do not have to submit to a background check. Review the Code of Conduct.
Under the age of 14: do not have to submit to a background check or attend a training class, but must be advised of the Code of Conduct.
What if a person doesn’t have a valid Social Security number? Do they still have to have a background check?
We still have to verify their identity and check their background. If a person does not have a valid Social Security number, please complete the background check authorization form, leaving the line for Social Security number blank. The pastor, principal or Director of Religious Education should verify their identity with some form of photo identification (e.g., a driver's license, a passport, an employer-issued ID card, etc.). The pastor, principal or DRE should then send our Office the authorization form, along with a copy of the identification document.
Frequently Asked Questions: click here