Question: Do parish groups that meet in our facilities and include children need to be OPCYP compliant?
Answer: This is a common question that OPCYP addresses each year. The answer requires more information, including:
- Is this a youth-driven or youth-focused event?
- Is the group providing babysitting or childcare services for the adults who are meeting?
- How is this event advertised?
The answers to the clarifying questions above are necessary to answer accurately and without confusion.
Compliance is required for all youth events. The fact that minors are present at an event does not necessarily mean it requires all adult attendees to be compliant with the Diocesan Code of Conduct. Events such as charismatic prayer groups, bible studies, and even a mom's group that are held for the adults, who also bring their children, do not fall under the Code of Conduct and therefore, are not required to ensure all adults are compliant with OPCYP policies. It is always a best practice to have at least one person compliant if youth are present at meetings.
However, if the group does provide childcare or babysitting, then the group has created a youth event within an adult event. In this case, a section for the youth should be set aside during the meeting with compliant adults immediately present to supervise the youth.
Lastly, how is the event advertised? The adage, "If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck, it is a duck." Ministries should be aware of this.
At any event, just because children from different families are playing with one another does not mean that it is a youth event. What is important is that parents know they are responsible for their own children during adult events and should have control over the behavior of their own children.