“Safeguard the Children” was established to create a safe environment for children, youth and vulnerable adults in the parish community. The LA Archdiocese Office of Safeguard the Children provides ongoing support, education, training and resources to help prevent child sexual abuse and to address children’s safety in our parishes, schools, homes and communities. The Los Angeles Archdiocese has produced an informative brochure explaining the program entitled “Working Together” that provides resources on how to prevent abuse and provides information on reporting child abuse.

 

The LA Archdiocese Office of Safeguard the Children has mandated that all volunteers working with children must be Virtus trained. The Virtus certification is valid for four years, and at that time, a re-certification course must be completed. Valid certificates must be provided to the school office if parents would like to volunteer on campus or with any student-related activities.

The Virtus training program, entitled "Protecting God's Children® for Adults", is training conducted by VIRTUS® certified facilitators on the prevention of child sexual abuse. The training makes participants aware of the signs of child sexual abuse, the methods and means by which offenders commit abuse, and five easy steps one can use to prevent child sexual abuse. Two videos are the centerpiece of the training: A Time to Protect God's Children™ and A Plan to Protect God's Children™. The facilitators incorporate policies and procedures into the training defining child sexual abuse, addressing the reporting of child sexual abuse, the screening and selection of employees and volunteers, and victim advocacy.

 

Training sessions are held annually at our school, but parents may register to take the course at other locations, and provide a copy of their certificate to the school office. For further information about course locations or information about the training program, check www.virtusonline.org.