In response to the Charter for the Protection of Children as adopted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in Dallas in June of 2002, the Diocese of Sioux City has created a safe environment program that includes:

• The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People: A Policy of the Diocese of Sioux City
• The Code of Ethical Stanards for All Those Ministering on Behalf of the Church
• Comprehensive background checks on
  - All existing and new employees of the Diocese and entities associated with the Diocese
  - All existing and new volunteers who have regular contact with children
• "Protecting God's Children", an educational awardness program designed to:
  - Increase awareness of child sexual abuse
  - Understand a 5-step process to prevent child sex abuse from occurring in our schools and parishes
  - Allow you to commit to being a part of a community that will protect all of God's children

All employss of the Diocese, parishes or schools, as well as volunteers who have regular contact with children, are required to participate in and comply with all aspects of the Safe Environment Program.

Volunteers who have regular contact with children include:

• Individuals who have contact with children one or more times a month
• Individuals who are alone with groups of children
• Individuals who are involved in any activities that include overnight supervision of children or young people