Youth Protection
We’re committed to advancing the field of pastoral ministry to young people.
The vast majority of those who are called to ministry or ordained for service in the church live a committed effort to follow in Christ’s footsteps. It is NFCYM’s hope that the publication and integration of these practices and policies into the life of our organization will allow us all to continue to serve as a community of faith, living the love poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. It is NFCYM’s expectation that each person who reads these practices and policies will accept personal responsibility for adherence to them. It is our belief that God’s goodness and grace supports this work and those called to service as our partners in ministry.
Safe Environment Policy: Safeguarding God’s Children
- Read the entire text of Safe Environment Policy
The policy was revised and approved by the NFCYM Board of Directors in spring of 2024.
Special Excerpts
National Child Abuse Prevention Resources
- Childhelp®: 800-4-A-CHILD (800-422-4453)
For: Child abuse victims, parents, concerned individuals - Child Sexual Abuse—Darkness to Light: 866-FOR-LIGHT (866-367-5444)
For: Children and adults needing local information or resources about sexual abuse - National Domestic (Family) Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (800-799-7233), TTY: 800-787-3224, Video Phone for Deaf Callers: 206-518-9361
For: Children, parents, friends, offenders - National Parent Helpline®: 855-4AParent (855-427-2736), 10:00 am-7:00 pm, PST, weekdays
For: Parents and caregivers needing emotional support and links to resources - National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
For: Victims of human trafficking and those reporting potential trafficking situations - National Alliance on Mental Illness: 800-950-NAMI (800-950-6264), 10:00 am-6:00 pm ET, weekdays
For: Individuals, families, professionals - Missing/Abducted Children—Child Find of America: 800-I-AM-LOST (800.426.5678)
For: Parents reporting lost or abducted children, including parental abductions - National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: 800-The-Lost (800-843-5678)
For: Parents or other adults reporting lost, abducted, sexually exploited children, including family abductions
Church Sexual Abuse Resources
- If One Member Suffers, We All Suffer Together With It – Letter from Pope Francis
- USCCB Chairman Response to Pennsylvania Grand Jury Reports – United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
- The Church Sex Abuse Crisis: What You Need to Know – A collection of news and articles on the clergy abuse crisis compiled by America Magazine
- Eight lessons to help us move forward from the sex abuse crisis – America Magazine
- The Darkness of Scandal and the Light of Christ – Leah Murphy, LifeTeen
- Dear Catholic Bishops: This is Not The Time to Play Defense Katie Prejean McGrady, America Magazine
- Bishop Frank Caggiano’s Statement on Crisis to his Diocese – NFCYM Episcopal Advisor, Diocese of Bridgeport
- The Virtues of Catholic Anger – Fr. James Martin, S.J.
- Youth Ministry: Addressing the Sad Reality of Sexual Abuse – Center for Parent / Youth Understanding
- USCCB National Review Board Calls for Lay Leadership Amid Sexual Abuse Crisis – United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
- Pastoral Resources in Response to Sexual Abuse – Diocese of Grand Rapids
- Address to the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Reports – Fr. Mike Schmitz, Ascension Press, Video
- Why Remain Catholic? (with so much scandal) – Bishop Robert Barron, Word on Fire, Video
- Q&A about the Sexual Abuse Crisis – Bishop Robert Barron, Word on Fire, Video
- Courageous Conversations to Have About the Clergy Sexual Abuse Crisis – Developed by Dr. Dobie Moser and Dr. Sean Reynolds (Mustard Seed Consultants) to assist in processing the crisis with small groups.
- Talking To Young People About the Scandals in the Catholic Church – Roy Petitfils, LPC offers tips for parents, teachers and ministers on how to discuss the recent scandals in the Catholic Church with young people, Video
- Liberating individuals and society from child sexual abuse and its lasting impacts – SAPREA
- A Listening Session for Teens on Sexual Abuse by Priests – This session, developed by Saint Mary’s Press, allows young people in a school or parish to gather in a safe and trusting place to voice their feelings, thoughts, and concerns in light of the recent publicity of sexual abuse by priests
- Prayer for Healing Victims of Abuse – United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
- Prayers and Intercessions from the Day of Prayer for Survivors and Victims of Sexual Abuse – Irish Catholic Bishops Conference
- A Novena of Saints for a Church in Crisis – Meg Hunter-Kilmer, PiercedHands.com
- Maria Goretti Network – The Maria Goretti Network reaches out to victims of abuse, their families and to those who support recovery, with God’s love as witnessed in the life of Maria Goretti
- Cuatro Conversaciones con Valentía – Dr. Dobie Moser and Sr. Sean Reynolds
- Caminen en la Luz – Una Respuesta Pastoral al Abuso Sexual de Menores United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
- 11 consejos para prevenir el abuso sexual en niños – Eres Mamá