Next VIRTUS session:
Contact the main office to request another session.

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What is Safe Environment?

In response to the recent scandal within our Catholic Church in the US, many dioceses including our own in New Ulm have implemented programs to inform caregivers as well as to help train those who come in contact with children and vulnerable adults. Our goal is to create an atmosphere where children and adults alike are not afraid to speak up if they observe something that just isn’t safe.

For more information from the Diocese of New Ulm
http://dnu.org/safe_environment/index.html

For Parents:

Students will be receiving two sessions of Safe Environment training, once in October and then again in January. Curriculum materials will be posted closer to class time for parents to review. Parents will have the option to opt their child out of these sessions if they so wish.

The VIRTUS website (http://www.virtus.org) contains valuable information for parents and caregivers such as articles and helpful links to keep updated on the lastest information on maintaining safety for children and vulnerable adults.

For Volunteers: (including Staff, Catechists, Substitute Catechists, Music Directors and Chaperones:)

To stay in compliance with regulations set by the Diocese of New Ulm for active volunteers, the following must be completed:

• VIRTUS Session Initial Training needed only once. This two and half hour session give an individual the basic skills most people take for granted in evaluating when children are truly vulnerable. Check the bulletin or website when sessions are scheduled. Also be sure to check the Diocesan website for additional sessions throughout the area.
• www.virtus.org: Log on to this website for annual training towards compliance after initial training is completed. This website includes monthly articles, and other tools that help keep up to date on the latest information. Mandated articles take only 15 minutes to read and answer questions.
• Background check: Completed upon volunteering. These forms are required to be signed in the presence of a notary public. Completed forms are sent to the Diocese for processing. Good for a few years. See the Safe Environment Coordinator for forms.
• Sexual Misconduct Policy and Code of Conduct: Completed once upon volunteering. Completed form kept on-site at St. John’s. See the Safe Environment Coordinator for forms.

Volunteering in another Diocese? All completed requirements are transferable amongst other Dioceses within Minnesota and possibly other Dioceses within the United States.

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TO REPORT ABUSE:
If you or someone you know has been sexually abused by a member of the clergy (priest, deacon or bishop), and you need to talk with someone about abuse, exploitation, or harassment, please contact the Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator or the Bishop’s Delegate in Matters Pertaining to Sexual Misconduct, 1400 6th Street North, New Ulm, MN 56073; phone: (507) 359-2966.