Child Protection Policy
In accordance with Archdiocesan policy and California state law, school staff members are legally obligated to report the reasonable suspicion of physical and/or emotional abuse, emotional deprivation, physical neglect, physical endangerment, inadequate supervision, or sexual abuse and/or exploitation. The school will not contact parents/guardians in advance of making a report to legal authorities. The clear intent of the law, based on the seriousness of the items listed above, mandate that a report of reasonable suspicion of abuse be made. The school staff member will make such a report in the best interest of the child and do not, once reasonable suspicion is established, have any legal alternative except to make the report to the proper authorities for their review and investigation.
In compliance with the U.S. Bishops' Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, St. Jude the Apostle School is providing self-protection education for students within the family life component of the curriculum. Details of the program and when specific elements are being taught will be provided for parents/guardians through the Anchor Splash and through the individual teachers.
Custody
In regard to issues relative to custody, the school is legally obligated to follow the directives of a duly authorized court of law. It is necessary that the parents/legal guardians furnish the school with copies of court documents that verify the legal directives for custody. These documents will be treated in a confidential manner.
Fingerprinting and VIRTUS Training
The LA Archdiocese is requiring that all parents be fingerprinted and required to complete Virtus Training. All those who will or have been fingerprinted and/or received VIRTUS Training will be added to the Archdiocesan VPIN database. VPIN has been created to verify that parish/school employees and volunteers have been properly screened. Additional information and details of the programs available are on the LA Archdiocese website under "Protecting the Children" tab.
