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| GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC SCHOOL |
| Parent-Student Handbook and Family Directory |
PARENT/STUDENT COMPLAINT REVIEW PROCESS
Concern for the dignity and rights of each person are intrinsic to the Church’s mission as a true witness to the spirit of the Gospel. Circumstances may
give rise to conflicts among students, parents and school staff. All parties are encouraged to use every available means to resolve these conflicts when
they occur. However, if the involved parties are unable to resolve their conflicts, families may use the Parent/Student Complaint Review Process for
additional assistance. All those participating in the Complaint Review Process are responsible to strive toward reconciliation and act in good faith. Legal
representation is not permitted during the Complaint Review Process. Any person filing a complaint is to be free from restraint, coercion, discrimination, or
reprisal in any form.
School Level
The person bringing the complaint is encouraged to try to resolve the complaint by discussing it with the persons directly involved.
If resolution is not achieved, the complaint should be discussed with the principal (or the pastor, if the principal is the subject of the complaint).
For elementary schools, if the principal is unable to resolve the conflict, the principal will bring the pastor into the process as appropriate.
After reviewing the facts and facilitating discussion of the problem the principal will respond to the person bringing the complaint.
Department of Catholic Schools Level
If the complaint is not resolved at the school or parish level, the complaint may be submitted in writing to the supervisor at the Department of Catholic
Schools, outlining the concerns and reviewing the local process.
The supervisor will review the complaint (with such consultation as may be appropriate) in a timely fashion and will endeavor to mediate and resolve the
matter. However, if no agreement can be reached, the supervisor will make a final determination concerning the resolution of the complaint, based on the
application of Archdiocesan and school policies and/or regulations, and communicate that determination, which will be final and binding, in writing to all
parties.
ARCHDIOCESE OF LOS ANGELES "ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY"
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/she has any possibility of more than incidental contact or supervisory or
disciplinary power over minors.
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."
SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Each school and religious education program must establish an ongoing safe environment training program for the children at its site. Home-based
materials must be provided to all parents to help them understand and support their children's education regarding child sexual abuse. The approved
programs include Good-Touch/Bad-Touch® and VIRTUS® Teaching Touching Safety (Mandated September 1, 2006).
Good-Touch/Bad-Touch® is being implemented in Grades K-8 in Catholic elementary schools throughout the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The program is
designed to be age-appropriate, to support children in understanding occasions of abuse, and to give them confidence in reporting and asserting
themselves in situations where they feel unsafe.
VIRTUS® Teaching Touching Safety is a K-12 program being implemented in religious education programs and Catholic schools. This program is a
vehicle through which parents, teachers, catechists and youth ministers give children and young people the tools they need to protect themselves from
those who might harm them.
The Archdiocesan Office of Safeguard the Children will work with principals at the schools and Directors of Religious Education in the parishes to
establish these programs. During the 2008-2009 year, training is expected to reach most of the children in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Questions
concerning this program can be forwarded to Sister Mary Elizabeth Galt, B.V.M., Chancellor, Coordinator of Children's Programs at 213 637 7460.
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| Good Shepherd Church |