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.
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.
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”.
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: