The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has required all Dioceses to have in place Safe Environment Programs for the protection of children and young people.
The components of Safe Environment required by the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston are:
- Background Checks
- Diocesan Policy Relating to Sexual Abuse of Children
- In-service Workshop (Protecting God’s Children for Adults by Virtus®)
All individuals over the age of 18 who are or wish to become liturgical ministers, catechists, musicians, choir members, or to volunteer in any capacity are required to complete all 3 components. Below you will find instructions for completing all components. Thank you for taking the time to help keep our children safe!
- Background Check
Please complete and print the following form. Once completed, please return the form to the Parish Office in a sealed envelope addressed to Karen Modzik. The parish does not receive details of the background check, we are only given a yes or no, and everything is kept confidential.
- Diocesan Policy Relating to Sexual Abuse of Children
Please take time to read the Diocesan Policy Relating to Sexual Abuse of Children found here:
Once you are familiar with the policy, please fill out the form below and return it to the Parish Office:
- In Service Workshop
The workshop, Protecting God’s Children for Adults by Virtus®, helps you learn about how to see signs of abuse, what to do should you suspect an issue, how to help keep yourself and children safe, and much more. Some workshops are done person, but most people complete the course online. Below are instructions for registering and completing the course. Should you have trouble or questions you may contact the parish or Sharon Goudy, Diocesan Coordinator of the Office of Safe Environment at sgoudy@dwc.org
Once you have finished the course you’ll need to provide documentation that it has been completed by printing and mailing or emailing to the Parish Office the certificate that is provided upon completion.
