Dear Volunteer,
Thank you for your involvement with our children. As you may be aware, for the past several years the Diocese of Richmond has required that all volunteers who work with children and youth complete a screening process. This was the first step in implementing the United States Conference of Bishops Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
A second requirement of the Charter is to have a program that promotes a safe environment for children and young people. The Diocese has selected the VIRTUS program “Protecting God’s Children” to meet this requirement. The VIRTUS program assists the Church in teaching how to create a safe haven for children and how to prevent child sexual abuse within the Church and in our community. More information can be found in this brochure. It is mandated that all school volunteers who have contact with our students or youth attend this training. This four-hour training session is offered periodically throughout the diocese.
To begin this process, go to the VIRTUS site (www.virtus.org) and register by selecting First Time Registrant from the home page. When prompted, select “Richmond, VA (Diocese)” as the organization. As you make your way through the registration process, you will be prompted to read and acknowledge a Code of Conduct and you will be prompted to sign up for a training session. There is no charge for this training. You must register before attending the session as participation in each session is limited. If you have already completed the training, please provide the office with a copy of your certificate. At the next section, you will be prompted to submit information for a Screening One background check. This background check is mandatory and can be completed online.
If you would rather not complete the background check online, you may download it here or fill it out and print it here and return it to the school office.
In addition to the above, the Diocese also requires a signed acknowledgement form for receipt of Diocesan Safe Environment Regulations booklet. Please use the links above to read and/or download. Please sign and date the form and turn it into the school office. Be sure to fill out the consent portion on the second page and sign.
We appreciate your contribution to our faith community. Thank you again for your willingness to be of service to the children and youth of our school.
Sincerely,
Louis L. Goldberg
Principal
Diocesan policy states that anyone volunteering to work with children must have all of the following forms on file. St. Matthew’s will pay the cost involved in filing these forms.
_____ Volunteer Application-Screening One Background Check
_____ Virtus Training Certificate
_____ Safe Environment Regulations Acknowledgement Form