Overview

VIRTUS

The Training Process

Select a VIRTUS Workshop to Attend

Parental Consent Form for Applicants Under Age 18

Archdiocesan Safe Environment Program Web Page

Contact

Ministries Page

We are committed to the safety of children and young people who have been entrusted to our care. In compliance with the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston’s safe environment program we:

• screen all Church ministers, employees and volunteers age 16 and above who work with children and young people as part of their ministry.
• provide appropriate training in recognizing and reporting child abuse to appropriate civil and Church authorities.
• hold all Church ministers, employees and volunteers who work with children and young people to Christ-centered and professional codes of conduct.

VIRTUS

The VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children Workshop for Adults is a 3-hour session including 2 videos and facilitated discussions focusing on the prevention of abuse and the protection of children.  Participants learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms that an adult is a potential risk of harm to children and how to know that a child is being abused or exploited in some way. In addition, they will learn about steps that the faith community can take to create a safe environment for all God’s children and how to respond when adults behave in a way that raises concerns.

Paperwork completed at this workshop includes a volunteer application, a background check authorization, and a code of conduct.

Online registration at the VIRTUS website is required prior to attendance. We also encourage all of our parents and volunteers to visit the VIRTUS website regularly where you will find many excellent articles and information.

Workshops are offered at St. Michael's approximately three times per year and are advertised in the bulletin one month prior to each workshop

The Training Process

1. Select a workshop to attend - go HERE.
2. Attend a VIRTUS "Protecting God's Children for Adults" workshop.
   

   Note: All attendees must have one of the following current forms of ID in order to attend:
   Driver's License (any State), Identification card (any State), Passport (any Country), Mexico Consulate ID, or Guatemala Consulate ID. 
   Your full name and date of birth must match your pre-registration on VIRTUS. If you do not have one of the 5 forms of identification, you will be turned away. No Exceptions! 
   
   (For example, if you pre-register under the name of Peggy Smith but your driver's license states Margaret Smith, you will be required to fill out a paper background check form with the correct name.) 
   
   Due to the content, material, and change in sign-in procedures. Please arrive 30 minutes early to show ID and sign in for workshop. 
   You will need to arrive on time. We do not allow late admittance. You will need to re-schedule if you arrive late. 

3. At the end of the workshop, all forms must be completed and turned in. All forms will be treated in full & complete confidence.
4. Upon successful completion of the background check, application review, and documented workshop attendance, the parish will be notified of the qualification of the adult.

Melanie Viktorin
Phone: (979) 297-3041
E-mail:  melanie@smlj.org