Introducing Empowering God’s Children

We invite you to watch these introductory videos for the “Empowering God’s Children” program, featuring Cardinal Tobin and Karen Clark, Executive Director of Protection of the Faithful. They will introduce this important initiative focused on the safety and well-being of our youth.

Introducing Empowering God’s Children: Cardinal Tobin
Introducing Empowering God’s Children: Karen Clark, Executive Director of Protection of the Faithful

Teaching Safety-Empowering God’s Children™

Ensuring children’s safety involves more than adult awareness; it requires equipping children to protect themselves. The Teaching Safety program supports parents, teachers, and youth leaders in this task.

Program Overview:
The Teaching Safety Program targets four age groups:
– Grades K-2
– Grades 3-5
– Grades 6-8
– Grades 9-12

Yearly Themes:
Year 1
– Lesson 1: Physical Boundaries – Teaches safe and unsafe touching.
– Lesson 2: Safe Adults – Identifies trustworthy adults and safe interactions.

Year 2
– Lesson 3: Boundaries – You Have Rights! – Emphasizes the right to set personal safety boundaries.
– Lesson 4: Secrets and Safety – Discusses the safety of secrets and promises.

Year 3
– Lesson 5: Being a Safe Friend – Encourages intervention and support in unsafe situations.
– Lesson 6: Boundaries: Feelings and Facts – Teaches recognizing and responding to unsafe situations.

Lesson Components:
Each lesson includes:
– Preparation instructions
– Catechism support
– Learning goals
– Age-appropriate content
– Key vocabulary
– Activities and handouts
– Closing prayer

Introductory Videos:
Six to seven-minute videos introduce each lesson’s goals and concepts, easing the discussion of sensitive topics. Available in English and Spanish, they cover:
– Grades K-5
– Grades 6-8
– Grades 9-12

For more information about the Teaching Safety – Empowering God’s Children™ program, visit Virtus Online.

Empowering God’s Children Resources

The Virtus Empowering God’s Children program is being taught to all Catholic School and Faith Formation children.

Protecting God’s Children
Workshop Schedule

All clergy, employees, volunteers, members of religious communities, international and temporarily assigned clergy as well as all volunteers who interact with minors as part of their service are required to complete the Virtus Protecting God’s Children training with updates every five years.
For information about upcoming sessions in your area, click here.

Protecting God’s Children Recertification Options

To stay compliant with our safeguarding policies, you have several recertification options. You can choose from live classes or complete your recertification online.

Live Classes Available:
Protecting God’s Children: 3 hours, valid for 5 years
Keeping the Promise Alive: 90 minutes, valid for 5 years
For online recertification, you must complete both annual and monthly requirements. Be sure to use your original Virtus ID to register for classes or access online content. If you last completed Protecting God’s Children over 10 years ago, you’ll need to retake the in-person class.

If you’ve forgotten your Virtus username or password, visit www.virtusonline.org and click “Need login information?”—do not create a new account. For additional help, contact the Safe Environment team at sect@rcan.org. The schedule for all Protecting God’s Children classes is available via the link on the right.

Online Recertification Reminder
If you’re opting for online recertification, remember to read the monthly articles in addition to completing the annual module. Failing to read the required articles may lead to account suspension and affect your ability to volunteer.

Empowering God’s Children Resources

The Virtus Empowering God’s Children program is being taught to all Catholic School and Faith Formation children.

Staff

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