Protecting Our Children with the Safe Environment Program
St. Agnes follows the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Safe Environment Program.
As part of the ongoing commitment to the protection of young people in our Diocese, Bishop Mark Brennan has put together new measures to enhance the Child Protection program. The new program includes updating VIRTUS training and monthly training bulletins as described below.
All staff and volunteers are required to complete the updated VIRTUS training, 4.0. Additionally, any volunteer who completed their VIRTUS training before 2022 will need to complete the update. All updates must be completed by December 31, 2024. Training can be completed online or at an in-person training session.
When you log into your VIRTUS account, look at the CURRENT TRAINING block. If an update is required, you will see a link to complete the required training module.
Going forward, the Bishop requires all employees and volunteers to complete a yearly awareness training module and read monthly bulletins. The bulletins can be read online from your VIRTUS account home page or in printed format (copies will be made available in the bulletin and at the church and parish center).
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 training and monthly bulletins
Completing online training at www.virtusonline.org. - 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.