Franciscan University would be unable to proclaim the good news to over 30,000 teens each summer without dedicated and faithful disciples like you. We appreciate all you sacrifice and all you do to be a part of the Steubenville of the Rockies Conference. In today’s state of heightened awareness, we not only want to protect young people, we want to protect the generous, caring adults, like yourself, who are willing to lay down part of your life that a young person might come to know the love of Christ.

Here are simple guidelines for you to follow that will assist us in providing a safe environment for ALL participants at our youth conferences. Thanks again for your service and know you are in our prayers.

DO:

1. Act as a role model reflecting the values of the Catholic Church and the love of Jesus Christ.

2. Speak and act with respect and regard for the value, person-hood, and uniqueness of each youth in your group.

3. Maintain clear communication throughout the weekend with your Group Leader especially in regard to the interactions you have with different youth.

4. Immediately report to your group leader any strange, embarrassing, or possible compromising interactions you have with any youth in your care.

5. Listen carefully to the youth you care for. Be aware of and report to your Group Leader conversations that reveal any self-destructive, suicidal, or harmful thoughts or behaviors.

6. Do not be alone with a youth behind closed doors or any other place where you could possible be compromised. If you wish to have a one-on-one with a teen, stay in a public place.

7. Use discretion with physical displays of emotions and care. This includes everything from hugging to simply touching someone on his or her arm or shoulder. We communicate more from non-verbal cues than through words. Hugs carry many different connotations for different youth.

8. Ask permission if you wish to hug a youth. It may seem awkward but more than likely they will appreciate the fact that you respect their space enough not to intrude without asking. It also gives them the chance to say no if they are not comfortable (some youth are uncomfortable being touched because of past abuse). Be sure that when offering a hug it is the youth that needs the hug – not you! Use common sense in regard to the length, strength, posture, etc. of the hugs you give and receive.

DO NOT:

1. Try to be a buddy or pal to the youth. You are there to help them grow, not to develop a social life around or with them. This is especially important if you are involved with long-term ministry after the conference.

2. Use suggestive jokes, stories, or language with youth. Hat they hear from their peers and laugh off could be devastating if it comes from your mouth.

3. Threaten, humiliate or degrade a teen as a form of discipline.

4. Discipline with physical contact.

5. Let your youth roam free without supervision.

6. Share inappropriate information about yourself with the youth.

7. Allow your teens to engage in sexually suggestive, vulgar, or abusive speech