Starting and sustaining a youth group involves lots of practical questions, from safeguarding and leadership to working with schools and creating the right structures for your group.
These resources have been developed from the experience of CAA leaders and parishes to give you clear, practical guidance at every stage of the journey.
Whether you are exploring youth ministry for the first time, preparing to launch a new group or already leading an established one, you’ll find resources here to help you build youth ministry that is safe, sustainable, rooted in the parish and centred on Christ.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding Policy
Sets out the safeguarding standards expected of every parish youth group supported by CAA, including responsibilities, safer recruitment, supervision, reporting concerns and safe practice. It works alongside the safeguarding procedures of the parish and diocese.
Safeguarding Guidelines
Practical, day-to-day guidance to help youth leaders put the CAA Safeguarding Policy into practice and create safe, respectful and faith-filled environments for young people.
Code of Conduct for Leaders
Clear expectations for adult leaders, helpers and youth volunteers, covering safeguarding, appropriate boundaries, communication, behaviour and safe practice when working with young people.
Code of Conduct for Youth Members
A simple code for young people that explains how we treat one another, behave safely and help create a welcoming, respectful and faith-filled youth group.
Leader Resources
Parish Leader Guide
A practical step-by-step guide for anyone starting or leading a parish youth group, from building a volunteer team and getting safeguarding in place through to launching, running and growing the group.
Parish Youth Group Constitution
A ready-to-use constitution template that helps parishes formally establish their youth group with a clear mission, leadership structure, safeguarding arrangements and accountability.
School Partnership Guide
Practical guidance for building a strong partnership between a parish youth group and its local Catholic schools, including communication, promotion, shared activities, safeguarding boundaries and opportunities for young people.
Terms of Reference
Sets out the purpose, structure and responsibilities of the CAA Steering Committee, including membership, decision-making, meetings and accountability.