Bishop Matthew Clark and the United States Bishops have made a commitment to create and sustain a healthy, protective and holy environment for our children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Following this commitment, the Diocese of Rochester has implemented this mandatory training/education and awareness strategy plan entitled “Creating a Safe Environment” beginning May of 2003.


Diocesan Policy
All paid Diocesan staff personnel and then any volunteer who works with children, youth or vulnerable adults is mandated

  1. to sign a Diocese of Rochester Volunteer Code of Conduct

  2. to complete the Criminal Record Check process

  3. to participate in Creating a Safe Environment training

Volunteers who must sign a Volunteer Code of Conduct, undergo a Criminal Record Check and be trained in Creating A Safe Environment, include, but are not limited to:

  • Catholic school volunteers
  • Religious Ed volunteers
  • Youth Ministry volunteers
  • Volunteer drivers
  • Overnight trip chaperones
  • Children’s Liturgy of the Word coordinators and presiders
  • Choir or music directors and group members working with children/youth
  • Trainers of children/ youth for Liturgical Ministries
  • Retreat leaders
  • CYO Athletic Directors
  • CYO coaches and assistant coaches
  • Cheerleading coaches and assistant coaches
  • Supervisors of youth service projects
  • Coordinators of festivals, plays and events involving children or youth
  • Volunteers who visit the homebound or sick
  • Catechists /aides who work in special education programs
  • Maintenance, grounds keepers or other workers who work with youth volunteers
  • Summer Bible school volunteers
  • Family Education leaders
  • Adults involved in fundraising or special events with children, youth or vulnerable adults such as book fairs, cooking crews, etc.
  • Volunteers who work with vulnerable adults in nursing homes, group homes, etc.
  • Chaperones for any children or youth/teen activity

This is another means to create an atmosphere that is safe for our children, as well as a means to provide training for the adults who would be working with children.