Safe Environment Program

The Catholic Diocese of Richmond is committed to ensuring that diocesan institutions and ministries provide a safe and nurturing environment for children, young people and vulnerable individuals. The mission of the diocesan Safe Environment Program is to create a safe environment incorporating the standards as outlined in the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

Who is required to complete background screenings?

All employees, clergy, and those volunteers working with minors in our parishes and schools are required to complete background screening. (A minor is considered under the age of 18.)

What is required of volunteers?

1. Attendance at a Protecting God's Children for Adults Program. In accordance with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop’s Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People all diocesan employees, clergy, religious, teachers, staff, and all volunteers who regularly or routinely work with children or youth participate in a Protecting God’s Children for Adults training session. The link in the side column connects to the Virtus website listing of currently scheduled training sessions within the Diocese of Richmond. To register for one of the sessions, click the Start Registration button. You will be prompted to create a user id and password. Follow the prompts to continue the registration process. After entering your personal information, a drop down function will enable you to select a Diocese of Richmond training center location/date/time. Continue to follow instructions as indicated to complete the pre-registration process. The Protecting God’s Children for Adults session is not recommended for those under the age of 18. Childcare is not available unless noted on the session listing. There is no charge for this training.
2. Background Screening for Volunteers
3. Volunteer background screenings are completed via the VIRTUS system. After registering for a VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children for Adults training session, volunteers will be prompted to complete a background screening application in ScreeningOne.
4. During the registration process new registrants are required to acknowledge the Diocesan Code of Ethical Conduct, Diocesan Safe Environment Regulations and the Digital Communications and Media Policy.
5. Background checks are renewed through the VIRTUS system every 5 years.