VIRTUS Training

Statement of Purpose  
The Child and Youth Protection unit is aimed at creating safe environments for the children and youth in our parishes and Catholic schools. Our mission is to assist parishes and schools in understanding and implementing the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. This involves criminal background screenings and training certification programs that advance the safety of our children.


Attention Volunteers
 Are you compliant?
 

As mandated by the Diocese of Trenton Office of Child and Youth Protection, the
following areas of compliance must be adhered to for all volunteers 18 years and older who wish to work in the parish while children are present. Or in a ministry working with the vulnerable.
 
 

1.) Application – complete volunteer application.

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2.) VIRTUS Training – To sign up for a Virtus training session, please log on to             www.virtusonline.org .  Once logged into your account you will be able to locate a training session that would be convenient for you. After completion of the training a copy of your Virtus certificate must be submitted to the parish office. Virtus attendance is only valid for four years, you must attend a recertification session prior to December 31^st of the fourth year if you wish to continue volunteering in ministry.

 
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3.) Criminal History Background Check - a background check will be conducted through
fingerprint analysis by the NJ State Police, through the private service of IdentoGo.
 
   A.) All new volunteers and employees are subject to a fingerprint scan for their initial
screening. Once your clearance certificate is received, volunteers will be reimbursed for
the cost of the background check.
 
   B.) On the 4^th year of ministry, you will be required to have your background check
 reevaluated. 

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4.) Diocese of Trenton Volunteer Code of Conduct - a document drafted by the
Diocese of Trenton that outlines the behavioral expectations for anyone volunteering
at a diocesan facility.

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Protecting our children and families is a main priority for the administration and staff of our parish and all parishes and schools located within the Diocese of Trenton. Therefore, we require that these three areas of compliance be satisfied before you begin your ministry at our parish. 
 

If you should have any questions or need further information, please contact:
Lenora Gange
Safe Environment Coordinator
lgange@smlparish.org
609-654-8208