"ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY"
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles will not knowingly assign or retain a priest, deacon, religious, lay person or volunteer to serve in its parishes, schools, pastoral ministries, or any other assignment when such an individual is determined to have previously engaged in the sexual abuse of a minor.
Under the “Zero Tolerance Policy” of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, any person guilty of sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 18:
May not have any paid or volunteer assignment in any "ministry" in the Archdiocese, and
May not volunteer in any "non-ministerial" activity or event where he or she has any possibility of more than incidental contact or supervisory or disciplinary power over minors.
Any parent or guardian who is a registered sex offender must contact the principal to discuss the requirements in order to assure compliance with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Zero Tolerance Policy. As members of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles community, we want to assure that we are in compliance with both Megan's Law and our "Zero Tolerance Policy."
CHILD ABUSE REPORTING OBLIGATIONS
In accordance with Archdiocesan policy and California law, all school personnel are obligated under penalty of fine and jail term to report any reasonable suspicion of physical abuse, emotional abuse, emotional deprivation, physical neglect, inadequate supervision, or sexual abuse and/or exploitation. In this very serious and legally narrow area, the school will not contact parents in advance of making a report to the legal authorities. The clear intent of the law, based on the seriousness of the crimes listed above, mandates that a report of reasonable suspicion of abuse be made. School staff will make such reports in the best interests of the affected child and do not, once reasonable suspicion is established, have any legal alternative except to make the report to the proper authorities for their investigation and review.
