This policy is designed to reach out to victims of sexual abuse with compassion and sensitivity and to assure the safety of minors in the church community.
Equally important, this policy provides a framework for reporting and responding to allegations of sexual abuse of a minor by a member of the clergy, an employee or a volunteer of the Diocese.
This Code of Conduct establishes a set of ethical standards for church leaders, including all who minister on behalf of the Church as employees or as volunteers.
Violation of the Code will result in disciplinary action by the appropriate authority up to and including termination of employment or removal from ministry.
All offers of employment and continued employment shall be contingent upon obtaining a signed authorization for the procurement of an investigative consumer report (including a criminal background check) for employment purposes and a satisfactory report.
Current employees will be required to authorize and undergo annual investigations.
“Protecting God’s Children” is a program developed by The National Catholic Risk Retention Group (TNCRRG) at the request of Monsignor Kevin McCoy, past board chairman of TNCRRG.
‘VIRTUS’ is a series of training programs whose name is derived from the Latin word that means valor, moral strength, excellence and worth.
The initial awareness training is a 3-4 hour classroom session consisting of video presentations and discussions facilitated by trained volunteers and Diocesan staff. The training is extended for selected employees and volunteers through the use of monthly online training bulletins.
All employees of the Diocese, parishes or schools, as well as volunteers who work with children, are required to attend a “Protecting God’s Children” training class within 90 days of the start of their service.
Regular training sessions are conducted throughout the Diocese. You will find a schedule for all update Virtus training classes HERE. After creating your online profile and selecting a class to attend, you will see a link to our background check form that can be completed and signed online.
Registration is required for all classes.
The Diocese of Sioux City has implemented “Teaching Boundaries and Safety”, a comprehensive training program for Catholic school students that teaches them to protect themselves from victimization. This program meets the guidelines set by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which mandates that:
Click on the link below to watch a video to protect your children from porn and other internet dangers.
If you suspect that a child is being abused, immediately notify the Child Abuse Hotline:
IOWA: 1-800-362-2178
Nebraska: 1-800-652-1999
South Dakota: 877-244-0864
Minnesota: 1 800 369 7994
If you are an adult who suffered abuse by a member of the clergy or someone who works for the Catholic Church, contact Angie Mack, Victim Assistance Coordinator at 1-866-435-4397 or 712-279-5610.