Protecting Our Children with the Safe Environment Program
St. Agnes follows the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Safe Environment Program.
All staff and volunteers are required to complete the Diocese of Wheeling Charleston’s Safe Environment program. All adult parishioners are encouraged to complete the program to increase awareness and provide a safe environment for the children of our parish and larger community. The process is completely online.
The Safe Environment Program includes three components:
- VIRTUS workshop
Completing online training at www.virtusonline.org. Step-by-step instructions are available. - Background Check
Completing information on the Screening One website. - Diocesan Policy
Reading the Diocesan Policy Relating to Sexual Abuse of Children & completing the DWC Policy form as well as additional forms required by the diocese. All these forms are signed electronically in your VIRTUS account.
To begin the process, visit www.virtusonline.org/virtus
- If you already have a VIRTUS account, log into your account and complete any required updates.
- If you are new to VIRTUS, select the green box for FIRST-TIME REGISTRANTS and follow the prompts to create an account and to complete the required training and paperwork.
- Note that background checks must be completed every three years.
Safe Environment Audits are done annually by an outside agency.
If you do not have access for this online procedure or have any other questions or issues, contact our Safe Environment Coordinator at 304-876-6436 or formation@stagnesshepherdstown.org.
