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Documents are in .pdf format. If you are having problems opening them, you may need to download the latest Adobe Reader. It is a free program and is extremely valuable if you frequent the OYYA site. It is available by clicking here

Save a tree! Use the 1-page, "3-in-1" form instead of 3 separate pages. Available in .PDF, they now include interactive fields that allow you to type in your event details before printing! (Thanks to Joe Kern for doing that!) CLICK HERE FOR THE 1-PAGE FORMS

• The Permission Forms posted on this website have been approved by Diocesan attorneys and may be used for both diocesan and parish events.

• These forms are "blank," and therefore it is crucial that you provide as much detail about the event as possible in the blank spaces. When listing travel information, please include details on means of travel (car, bus, airplane), who is providing travel, as well as the approximate travel times.

• It is important that parents/guardians complete and submit all three forms prior to the event.  No child should be allowed to participate without forms.

• If you are unable to print out these forms, please contact the Office for Youth & Young Adults to have a copy of the forms mailed or faxed.

PERMISSION FORM FAQ...

"When should I use permission forms?"

Short answer: youth leaders should issue permission forms for any event off parish property.  If you are doing a retreat, etc. for any extensive period of time-- even at your facilities-- you should also issue forms.

"Why all these forms?"

Admittedly we live in a litigious world.  These forms have passed the careful eyes of our diocesan legal counsel, which has recommended the wording as shown.  If parents are frustrated by filling these forms out all the time, or you are frustrated with making all those copies, just be assured that these aren't just for the protection of us as a Church, but ultimately for the protection of all parties concerned.

"Can't I just do one form for all of our events?"

Short answer: no.  Attorneys working with youth liability issues are asked this often and have always strongly recommended new forms for each event.  Blanket forms would not acknowledge specific risks that accompany specific environments, circumstances, etc.  By issuing specific forms, you are in essence sending a message to the parent/guardian of a child that you as a leader are aware of the specific risks their child faces.  By including specific dates, times, locations, etc., you further inform the parent/guardian of your expectations regarding the child's participation, leaving little room for misunderstanding. (Eg: if a child travels elsewhere at 3pm and your form showed an event ending at 2pm, the youth leader can clearly show that the child traveled on his/her own volition after an event that the parent acknowledged previously with a signature.)

"What do I do with these forms when I receive them?"

A copy of all forms should be kept with a responsible adult at all times, in all locations where youth are present. If you split up to smaller groups, make multiple copies of the forms and give to each adult.

After the event is completed, forms should be kept on file for at least one year.

"I already issued permission forms for an upcoming event. Do I send out these new forms, too?

Parishes are urged to begin using these forms for any and all new events for which you have not yet issued forms.

"Can teens drive themselves to an event?"

While it is not prohibited, it is recommended that teens not drive other teens. While this is certainly legal and not against any diocesan policy, statistics show that the rate of accidents amongst teenage drivers—already a high-risk category-- is even greater when those drivers are distracted by other teens. Driver inattention/distraction is the most common contributing factor in multiple vehicle crashes. For teen drivers, the more passengers the greater the risk of a crash. Drivers 25 and over are always preferred.

"Do they still have to complete forms if they're 18?"

Many HS seniors turn 18 before graduation. While in the eyes of the law, yes, they are an adult, from our perspective they aren't much different than the 17 year olds to whom we minister. More than likely they are still a dependent, living under the rules- and insurance!- of a parent/guardian(s). If an emergency happens, you need the insurance and contact information. Even if an emergency doesn't happen, the forms reinforce a respect you as group leader have for the parent's right to know the details and inherent risks involved. Rule of thumb: all high schoolers should complete permission forms.