New Rules for Halifax Archdiocese aimed at protecting “vulnerable” parishoners
Posted Mar 20, 2010 07:51:53 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Some strict new rules are being introduced in the Archdiocese of Halifax.
The Responsible Ministry and Safe Environment Protocol comes as a reaction to allegations of sexual abuse being made all over province.
It’s also required by the church’s insurance company
People working in the church are now forbidden from using corporal punishment, giving drugs alcohol or tobacco to minors, or taking pictures of any vulnerable person while they are undressed, or undressing.
Staff and volunteers are also required to report to a superior if they learn a child or vulnerable adult is in imminent danger.
Archdiocese spokesperson Marilyn Sweet says there’s another major change to the rules.
“Everybody who’s involved in working with children in any form, children or young people we’ll be doing the police checks and the vulnerable sector checks,” Sweet told CTV.
There are also much tighter restrictions on overnight stays and in-home visits in addition the new rules require all church offices to have doors with windows.
You can view the Responsible Ministry and Safe Environment Protocol online at
http://www.catholichalifax.org.
