Policy Requirements

Safe Environment Certification for Employees and Adult Volunteers is required prior to serving in Ministry and must be renewed every two years.

Initial or Renewal Safe Environment Certification currently requires attendance at a live and in person (“face-to-face”) Safe Environment Awareness Session (”Protecting God’s Children For Adults”) and requires a virtus profile.

Training Website: virtusonline.org

Please be aware of the following schedule:
Initial Session (3 hours) One time only - Renewal every 2 years after.
Code of Conduct signed at the beginning - Renewal every 3 years after.
Background Check - at the beginning - Renewal every 5 years
     Exceptions: DMV (Driver check) Renewed every year for those who drive for the Diocese or Parish.
                         Credit Check - Renewed every 3 years for those who handle money for the Diocese or Parish.

Two-Adult Rule: All parish and school programs require two adults or one adult and two older teens present at all times. This applies to:

• All sponsored training and events
• Catholic school activities outside regular classrooms
• Religious education classes
• Youth ministry programs
• Liturgy of the Word for children
• RCIA Adapted for Children
• Babysitting, nursery, childcare programs
• Children/youth choirs
• Altar server training
• Vacation Bible School
• Scouting

All employees and volunteers are screened before serving.

Virtus Training Sessions

• Protecting God’s Children: For first-time Virtus users, 3 hour session
• A Plan to Protect: Renewal session after initial training, 1.5 hour session
• Boundaries for Lay Adults: Additional renewal option, 1.5 hour session

Safe Environment Certification

• Complete Volunteer Ministry Application (with 3 references)
• Sign Code of Conduct & Behavior Standards
• Complete Safe Environment training
• Sign Authorization for Release of Information
• Pass criminal background check

Electronic Forms

Go to fwdioc.org/training-sessions and click “I need a Virtus Profile.”

New volunteers: Complete all electronic forms in Virtus. No need to print electronic forms for our records. Volunteer Ministry Application is in the Documents section to the left.  References need physical addresses as well as e-mail addresses. You can complete online and e-mail to Yvette Crumly. All documents not completed electronically are available to print and complete to be returned to Yvette in the Safe Environment Office.

Returning volunteers: Do not need to complete the Volunteer Application and references if we have those on file. Contact Yvette to confirm. You will need to sign the Code of Conduct electronically or print out from Documents section to the left and return to Yvette.

Background Checks

Two options:

• Electronic: You’ll receive an email link from Yvette Crumly.
• Manual: Complete Authorization of Release form and submit to Safe Environment Office. Available in the Documents section to the left.

Reporting Sexual Abuse

If someone is in immediate danger, CALL 911.

Important Numbers:

• CPS: 800/252-5400
• Diocesan Assistant Director: 817/945-9340
• Vicar General: 817/945-9313
• Victim Assistance Hotline: 817/602-5119

Steps to Report Abuse

1. Call CPS (800/252-5400) and get a case number.
2. Call Police or 911 and get a case number.
3. Report to your supervisor, priest, or principal (who reports to the Diocese).
4. If clergy or Church personnel are involved, contact diocesan authority directly.

Contact Information

Show Contact Information

Name: Yvette Crumly

Role: Safe Environment Coordinator

Phone: (817) 460‑2751

If you would like to be a Safe Environment facilitator, email Alma Garcia. We can always use more facilitators.