Policy Requirements
All Awareness Training Sessions are live sessions. Everyone must renew training every two years.
Training Website: virtusonline.org
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
- Call CPS (800/252-5400) and get a case number.
- Call Police or 911 and get a case number.
- Report to your supervisor, priest, or principal (who reports to the Diocese).
- If clergy or Church personnel are involved, contact diocesan authority directly.
Contact Information
Show Contact Information
If you would like to be a Safe Environment facilitator, email Alma Garcia. We can always use more facilitators.