Virtus Training – Protecting God's Children

For more information or to sign up for a class contact
Mitch Picard at mitch.picard@portlanddiocese.org or
Veronica Richards at veronica.richards@portlanddiocese.org

What is the VIRTUS Training Program?

The VIRTUS training, "Protecting God's Children" program is designed to increase one's knowledge and awareness of child sexual abuse and how one can help prevent the sexual abuse of minors and to implement the proper response when abuse may be indicated.

The primary goal of the VIRTUS program is to educate all volunteers in the recognition and prevention of sexual abuse.

Who is Required to Sign Up for this Program?

Teachers, staff, and all volunteers who minister to or work with minor children must attend one of the VIRTUS Training program sessions and are required to read a number of bulletins online per year at the VIRTUS Online website.

Human resource considers the following list of volunteers as those that have contact with children:

Athletic Directors
Babysitters
Cafeteria Workers
Catechists
Clerical/Office Workers
Chaperones for Overnight Events
Crossing Guards
Custodians (School or Parish)
Drivers (for Youth)
Day Care/Extended Care Workers
Instructional Assistants
Library Assistants
Maintenance (School or Parish)
Playground Monitors
"Room" Mothers or Fathers
Sacramental Prep
Scout Volunteers
Tutors
Youth Ministry Program Leaders
Youth Retreat
VIRTUS Procedural Requirements

The following steps are required:

Live Training Session
The first step is to attend a live training session, which is offered at various parishes/schools throughout thePortland Diocese. 

At the training session, you MUST sign in on their sign-up sheet and put
"Parish of the Ascension of the Lord Catholic Church" as your location.

 
Background Check
The second step is to complete a Background Check Form administered by the Diocese of Portland. Special care is taken to protect your privacy.
 
Ongoing Personal Training/Required Readings
After the live training session is completed, ongoing training is provided through the VIRTUS Online website. You will be required to read a bulleting once a month. More information can be found at VIRTUS Online.

You are required to read a certain number of bulletins per calendar year as part of the continuing education program.