Protecting God’s Children is a training program provided by VIRTUS, led by certified facilitators, aimed at preventing child sexual abuse. It is essential for all adults who engage with youth, including catechists, mentors, core team members, Vacation Bible School volunteers, hall monitors, coaches, and classroom helpers. This training equips participants with knowledge about recognizing signs of child sexual abuse, understanding how offenders operate, and learning five simple steps to prevent abuse. Facilitators also cover policies and procedures regarding child sexual abuse, reporting protocols, employee and volunteer screening, and victim advocacy.
Managed by the Office of Safe Environment, the Protecting God’s Children program mandates compliance with specific policy requirements for all laypersons, religious, clergy, and volunteers of the Diocese involved with minors and vulnerable adults. These requirements include attending a Protecting God’s Children workshop (VIRTUS) and completing monthly training bulletins, reading and signing the diocese’s Code of Conduct, and undergoing a criminal background check and reference checks. Any criminal records found are reported to the pastor or parish administrator.
For more information visit the Diocesan's information page at: Protecting God's Children
As responsible adults, we hold a significant role in safeguarding the well-being of children and youth. Preventing child sexual abuse goes beyond merely raising adult awareness; it necessitates comprehensive education and training on the issue's nature and extent. That's where Empowering God’s Children comes in. This program equips children and young people participating in religious education, Catholic schools, and youth activities with essential tools to safeguard themselves from potential harm.
Empowering God’s Children® is a comprehensive, age-appropriate program designed to empower educators (such as teachers, catechists, and youth ministers) and parents to educate children and youth about personal safety. The program teaches children and youth how to recognize and respond if someone attempts to violate their boundaries. Each year, the program introduces a theme that builds on the foundational concepts outlined in the Teaching Boundaries and Safety Guide. The material is carefully tailored to suit the developmental stage of each age group, incorporating engaging activities and content that reinforce the message.
Each year students will have one class dedicated to the Empowering God's Children curriculum.