Child and Youth Programs

Safe Environment Programs are addressed in the USCCB document Promise to Protect; Pledge to Heal – USCCB (updated 2018), Article 12: “Dioceses/eparchies are to maintain ‘safe environment’ programs which the diocesan/eparchial bishop deems to be in accord with Catholic moral principles. They are to be conducted cooperatively with parents, civil authorities, educators, and community organizations to provide education and training for minors, parents, ministers, employees, volunteers, and others about ways to sustain and foster a safe environment for children and minors. Dioceses/eparchies are to make clear to clergy and all members of the community the standards of conduct for clergy and other persons with regard to their contact with minors.”

Background Evaluations

Background evaluations are addressed in the USCCB document Promise to Protect; Pledge to Heal – USCCB  (updated 2018), Article 13: “The Diocesan bishop is to evaluate the background of all incardinated priests and deacons. When a priest or deacon, not incardinated in the diocese, is to engage in ministry in the diocese, regardless of length of time, the evaluation of his background may be satisfied through a writtten attestation of suitability for ministry supplied by his proper ordinary/major superior to the diocese. Dioceses are to evaluate the background of all their respective diocesan and parish/school or other paid personnel and volunteers whose duties include contact with minors.” 

The Archdiocese of San Francisco evaluates backgrounds through use of the Live Scan electronic finger printing system. Two reports will be requested; one from the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and one from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).