Many of the ministry opportunities we can provide this year would be online utilizing apps like Zoom or Google Meet. In order to meet Diocesan safe environment standards, links for these sessions must always be sent to parents, and these sessions would need to be recorded and kept for at least 90 days. If you do not want your child to be recorded, please do not let them log into these events, as there is no way for us to individualize the recording. Please consider the use of a computer for joining these events to avoid potential data charges, as well.

Other opportunities we have for communicating this year involve e-mail, text messaging, and social media. You must give permission for your teen to utilize these resources with youth ministry, and you should receive all the same messages yourself, though you can choose the best method for delivery. We may also mail or deliver items to your house for your teen like post cards, Christmas cards, or care packages.

We also use pictures, or even video, from events to help celebrate great memories from youth ministry and to advertise for youth activities. We are also developing a youtube or podcast ministry this year, which could feature teen involvement. Please indicate whether you give consent for your child's image and voice to be used for these purposes.

You can read the full Diocesan Policy on Electronic Communication with Minors here: https://davenportdiocese.org/documents/2020/7/Electronic%20Communication%20With%20Minors%20-%20Diocesan%20Policy%2007%2006%202020-1.pdf

Finally, each year we are required to have a youth ministry session focused on the Virtus Program's Protecting God's Children curriculum. This year the program may have to be completed at home with parents as we will not be having regular youth ministry sessions. We will send out access to these materials for parents, as well as an opt-out form, at the appropriate time. Further details