Weapons: The possession of any type of firearm, large knives (3" or longer blade), incendiary device, bomb, chemical that could be used maliciously, or other items deemed threatening by the adult leader in charge of the event, will not be tolerated. Anyone who brings a weapon to a youth function will not be allowed further participation in ANY diocesan sponsored youth functions until review and approval by the Director, Office of Youth and Young Adult Formation. A "Weapon" is ANY item that the adult leader in charge deems to be usable in a malicious, threatening, injurious, or abusive manner.

Certain pocket knives and woodcraft tools are excluded if they are in the context of the Scouting movements or while under proper adult supervision while at the Outpost or other appropriate setting (but ONLY if they are not used in a threatening manner).

Procedures for responding to these circumstances:

The weapon will be removed from the attendee – if that can be done safely. Authorities will be called immediately and parents (if the person is under age 18³) will be promptly notified. Attendee will be removed from the event immediately. Attendees removed under these circumstances may not return to the event, movement, or property until permission from the Diocesan Office of Youth & Young Adult Formation has been given.

If it is the use in a threatening manner of a weapon or the threat of possession of a weapon – even if the person has a legal permit to carry a concealed weapon, contact the local authorities immediately. (See below for a "threat assessment".)

Possession of a firearm at a youth function is not appropriate – even if the person has a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Have the person leave the event. Contact the Office of Youth & Young Adult Formation.

Fill out an incident / accident report form.

Contact the Director, Office of Youth & Young Adult Formation at the Catholic Center or the Executive Director of Diocesan Services.

Illegal Drugs: The possession or use of any chemical compound that is intentionally misused will not be tolerated. ALL prescription drugs must be turned over to the leader of an event at the beginning of the event and there must be parental permission for the distribution of prescription medication (see Waiver, Release, Liability Form). Adult Leaders must keep prescription drugs locked during an event.

Procedures for responding to these circumstances:

Authorities will be called immediately and parents (if the person is under age 18) will be promptly notified. The illegal drug will be removed from the attendee – if that can be done safely. If the adult leader suspects that the person has ingested a drug, contact authorities. If the person is under age 18, contact parents. Do not let someone who is under the influence of drugs drive a vehicle. Attendee will be removed from the event immediately. Attendees removed under these circumstances may not return to the event, movement, or property until permission from the Diocesan Office of Youth & Young Adult Formation has been given.

Fill out an incident / accident report form.

Contact the Director, Office of Youth & Young Adult Formation at the Catholic Center or the Executive Director of Diocesan Services.

Alcoholic Beverages: Any alcoholic beverage (except sacramental wine used in the context of Mass) is not permitted.

Procedures for responding to these circumstances:

Authorities will be called immediately and parents (if the person is under age 18) will be promptly notified. The alcohol will be removed from the attendee – if that can be done safely. If the person is under age 18, contact parents. Attendee will be removed from the event immediately. If the adult leader in charge suspects that the person is intoxicated, contact the authorities. Do not let a drunk person drive. Attendees removed under these circumstances may not return to the event, movement, or property until permission from the Diocesan Office of Youth & Young Adult Formation has been given.

Fill out an incident / accident report form.

Contact the Director, Office of Youth & Young Adult Formation at the Catholic Center or the Executive Director of Diocesan Services.

Read these techniques and practice them BEFORE you have to use them!

All attendees under age 18 must have a completed, signed, and dated Waiver, Release, Liability Form that includes a line for the distribution of prescription medications;

If an attendee makes a threat of violence (even if you cannot see a weapon) take the threat seriously and contact authorities and the parents (if applicable). Remove the attendee from the event – if that can be done safely.

Threat Assessment: (a "yes" to any question requires contact of the authorities.)

The Adult in charge must make the assessment about threats using these criteria:

1. Does the person have the means to do bodily harm?

2. Does the person have access to a weapon?

3. Is there the remote possibility that this attendee could follow through with his or her threat?

Anyone who brings a weapon, illegal drugs, or alcohol to a youth function will not be allowed to participate in ANY diocesan sponsored youth functions until review and approval by the Director, Office of Youth and Young Adult Formation. The ONLY exception to this requirement is the invitation of a police officer to make a presentation to a youth group while he or she is on duty.

ALWAYS complete an Accident / Incident Report form;

ALWAYS contact the Office of Youth and Young Adult Formation;

Know your adult leadership team:

1. Accept only adults you know and trust;

2. Be clear with adults about rules, expectations, and consequences;

3. Run Criminal Checks on your adults through the Indiana State Police; (Contact Mike Eppler for form))

The Criminal Check is a CONFIDENTIAL matter. All forms should be sent to the Office of Youth & Young Adult Formation for processing. This Office can also assist you in running criminal background checks.

Explain these rules and consequences at the start of every youth function;

There must be two-deep leadership (two adults over age 21 who are in eye-sight of each other at all times during a youth event)

There must be a 1 – 10 adult to youth ratio for high school adolescents and a 1 – 8 adult to youth ratio for junior high events.

If you ever have a question about how to proceed, contact the Director, Office of Youth and Young Adult Formation or the Executive Director of Diocesan Services.

Michael H. Eppler                                                      

Director, Office of Youth                                                 

and Young Adult Formation                                                

(w) (812) 424-5536 ext. 227                                                

or (800) 637-1731                                                              

Pager: (812) 433-3714

Home:  (812) 867-6392 (emergency ONLY)

__________

Footnotes:

1This policy will be limited only to the programs, activities, and functions of the Department.  

 It will not bear upon parishes – except in their participation in diocesan events.

2Including, but not limited to, Catholic Campus Ministry at the University of Evansville, 

 University of Southern Indiana, and Vincennes University; The Outpost Youth Camp; Teens Encounter 

 Christ; Communion and Liberation; Boy Scout functions under Catholic auspices; Girl Scout functions 

 under Catholic auspices; Youth Day(s); diocesan participation in the National Catholic Youth Conference; 

 diocesan participation in World Youth Day; or any other program offered through the Diocese of 

 Evansville for the benefit of adolescents and young adults.

3Age, for the purpose of this policy, is only for parental notification.