​​​​​​​​​​​When investigating matters involving child abuse or neglect, law enforcement and child protective agencies are entitled under law to interview students and other minors at school or during parish activities. The person in charge must confirm that the person seeking the interview is properly authorized and presents appropriate identification and must also confirm that the interview is being conducted as part of his or her professional duties. The person in charge should document the identity of the interviewer, the student interviewed and, if disclosed, the purpose of the interview.​ If the purpose is an interrogation of a potential suspect of a crime, the student has the right to a lawyer before being questioned; therefore advise the student not to talk to the law enforcement officer until the student has spoken to a lawyer. Further guidance is in 13.7.1 - Student Interviews by Law Enforcement (la-archdiocese.org).

​In the archdiocese it is the policy to inform parents/guardians that such an interview will take place except when law enforcement or the agency has a specific reason to not inform the parents/guardians. In all events it is the policy of the archdiocese that an adult, either a parent/guardian or school or parish staff member, will be present for any interview unless the minor being interviewed elects otherwise.​​​

8-25-2021, 9-4-2024​