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What is required to meet the Safe Environment policies if I want to volunteer with minors?
You need to fill out a volunteer application, sign the current Archdiocesan Code of Conduct, have a criminal background check and take a course in child sexual abuse awareness and prevention. Although the Code of Conduct, application and background check must be completed before you start your service, you have 30 days to take the Protecting God's Children program.
Do you do a credit check?
No, only a criminal background check is performed.
If I've been fingerprinted in order to teach in a NJ school, do I need a background check?
No, as long as you can provide the current New Jersey Department of Education fingerprint documentation with the NJ state seal.
Is the course that I have to take available online?
The first time, the course must be taken in person. After 5 years, there is a re-training requirement , which can be completed online annually.
Who do I contact in my parish or school for more information or to get the forms above?
Contact the Local Safe Environment Coordinator, who is assigned by the Pastor or Principal. You can contact your parish or school OR if you have a Virtus account, you can access their information by visiting virtusonline.org>Toolbox>My Local Coordinator.
How do I recertify my training? How often is that done?
The training is recertified either every year online, or every five years in another live training session.