Virtus safe-environment training

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People includes the provision that all dioceses must offer training to help create a safe environment for children in parishes, schools, and in other church settings and activities.

The Diocese of Knoxville’s program is ongoing, with “Protecting God’s Children” seminars offered regularly throughout East Tennessee. The training schedule is published in each issue of The East Tennessee Catholic newspaper, and complete details are available at the Virtus website. To sign up for a course, click Registration in the left frame of the Virtus site.

“Protecting God’s Children” is required for parish and school employees and regular volunteers in contact with children or vulnerable adults and is recommended for parents and grandparents. The training is offered free of charge.

Each diocese had the option of setting up its own program or purchasing one developed by outside experts. The Diocese of Knoxville opted to contract with Virtus, an arm of the National Catholic Risk Retention Group of Lisle, Ill., which trained the East Tennessee facilitators.

The training harmonizes with the church’s teaching on the great dignity of each person and provides tangible ways of putting it into practice. Trainees learn about the dangers and warning signs of abuse, ways to prevent it, and how to report suspicions of abuse. Training sessions incorporate videotapes that include first-person narratives of both those who have suffered abuse and admitted abusers.

For Frequently Asked Questions by parents and volunteers, click here.

For Frequently Asked Questions by principals and pastors, click here.