Called to Protect for Youth
Information For Parents
As Catholics, we believe that every human being is created in the image and likeness of God. Each of us is sacred and our lives — body, mind and soul — should be treated with respect. Called to Protect for Youth is a sexual abuse education and prevention program that gives our young people practical tools, in language and a medium they can understand, to realize this fundamental teaching of our faith.
Each parish and Catholic school in the Diocese of Austin is required to present Called to Protect for Youth to their 6th and 9th grade students, and those new to the parish/school since the last program offering, every school year (all middle and high school grades may attend). We offer CTPY at 2 different grades/ages due to the maturation that occurs over those years; students should plan to attend twice, in both their middle school and high school years.
Students are not “required” to attend, but they and their parents should understand the importance of this program as part of their education about boundaries, appropriate interactions between adults and minors and related personal safety issues. This should not be considered an optional program; students that cannot attend should have a valid reason for their absence. Parents may choose to complete a waiver to excuse their child from the program; this can be obtained from the parish/school representative organizing the session. Students that do not attend are not required to “make up” the session and are not prohibited from participating in ministry, but parents may be asked to provide supervision for their child during the session. Parents of students that do not attend the CTPY program should use the links below to review this important information with their child.
Minors wishing to volunteer in “helper roles” at the parish or school are encouraged to attend the CTPY program so they will have information and tools that will assist them in their ministry. Minors should not complete an EIM Application for Ministry and do not need to attend the EIM Basic workshop until they have turned 18 years old.
Below you will find an overview of the program, how parents can reinforce the information in the program, and where parents can find additional resources. If you have further concerns or questions as a parent, please contact a member of your school or parish staff or the diocesan Ethics and Integrity in Ministry Office at (512) 949-2447.
- What is the Called to Protect for Youth program?
- How can I reinforce the message with my children?
- Where can I get more information or report abuse?