VIRTUS TRAINING REQUIRED BY THE ARCHDIOCESE OF ATLANTA FOR THOSE WORKING WITH CHILDREN, YOUTH, TEENS AND OTHER VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS. VIRTUS Training is offered throughout the Archdiocese at various churches. 

Safe Environment Program
Archdiocese of Atlanta
Changes to the Safe Environment Program

Effective January 1, 2016, the Archdiocese of Atlanta began utilizing VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children for Safe Environment training, which replaced the You Matter custom program. VIRTUS is a nationally recognized vendor utilized by 120 dioceses across the United States, offering a comprehensive program including Safe Environment training for adults, children and youth. VIRTUS also provides a convenient way for participants to register for training sessions, and allows participants to read and sign Safe Environment policies online.

WHAT IS VIRTUS PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN TRAINING SESSION?

The VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children Program incorporates proven best practice standards for the prevention of child sexual abuse by clergy, staff, volunteers, and others who interact with children within the Catholic Church and School environments. Participants are made aware of the signs of child sexual abuse, the methods and means by which offenders commit abuse, and are presented with five easy steps to prevent child sexual abuse. Two videos are the centerpiece of the training. Facilitators incorporate Archdiocesan policies and procedures into the training, defining child sexual abuse and addressing the legal requirements of reporting child sexual abuse.

“The VIRTUS training program implements safety mechanisms that send a message to all abusers and potential abusers: Child Abuse is not tolerated. Children are vigilantly protected. Victims are listened to, heard, and shielded from further abuse. And offenders are identified and punished.” – VIRTUS Online Website

WHY AM I REQUIRED TO ATTEND A VIRTUS PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN TRAINING SESSION?

Recognizing that each individual is created by God, the Archdiocese of Atlanta is committed to the safety and well-being of its children and vulnerable adults and implements procedures to minimize risk and barriers to build and foster a culture of a safe environment. Requiring clergy, employees, and volunteers working with children and/or vulnerable individuals to attend the VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children training is part of a comprehensive Safe Environment training package.

The Archdiocese does not tolerate abuse or neglect of anyone. It will comply with all obligations of civil and Canon Law; it will promote healing where it is needed, provide education, training and guidance when it is appropriate, and endeavor to prevent any abuse of minors or vulnerable adults with firm justice and mercy towards all.

HOW WILL THE CHANGES AFFECT YOU?

Current clergy members, employees and volunteers who have already completed the Safe Environment requirements in the last five years will NOT be required to attend a Protecting God’s Children training session UNTIL your Safe Environment clearance is nearing expiration. For example, if John Doe has a Safe Environment clearance dated 01/01/2012, he will be due for the Protecting God’s Children training on 01/01/2017.

Individuals will be notified by their Safe Environment Coordinator when it is time to renew their background screening and/or take the refresher course: both are required to be renewed every five years.

New clergy, employees, and volunteers working with children and/or vulnerable individuals must attend a VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children training before they begin paid or volunteer work for the Archdiocese of Atlanta or within 60 days of their scheduled start date*. Continuing Education training consists of monthly bulletins sent via email to each user after attending a VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children.

*The 60 day grace period is ONLY applicable for employees and/or volunteers who DO NOT work with children and/or vulnerable adults.

Please note that background screenings will be renewed every five years.

Every parish and school in the Archdiocese of Atlanta has a designated Safe Environment coordinator who will be assisting employees, volunteers and parents with this transition. Please do not hesitate to contact your parish/school coordinator or the Safe Environment office with your questions or concerns.

Read Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory's Letter
 

The mission of the Safe Environment Office at the Archdiocese of Atlanta is to ensure that children, young people, and vulnerable individuals who worship, study, or participate in activities sponsored therein can do so in the safest and most secure setting possible. We are responsible for implementing and overseeing the full Archdiocesan response to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (Charter). We strive to comply with Articles 12 and 13 of the Charter which requires every diocese in the United States to maintain Safe Environment programs and to perform background screenings. Article 12 is applied with the Safe Environment programs in place to help educate involved parties on how they can contribute with the promise to protect our children, young people, and vulnerable individuals from abuse. Furthermore, Article 13 is also applied by performing background screenings on all those individuals working with children, young people, and vulnerable individuals.