Working Together to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse
Policies, Programs, Reporting and Resources
Working Together Brochure (English)
Working Together Brochure (Spanish)
Safeguard The Children Requirements for Volunteers
All parish volunteers are required to meet requirements established by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles..
1) COMPLETE THE VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORMS
Your information is needed to ensure that we have your current information in our database so you are covered by our insurance while you are on Church property.
2) BE FINGERPRINTED
All adult volunteers who have regular contact with youth must be fingerprinted. Fingerprinting is a one-time event that needs to be done through the Archdioceses of Los Angeles. If you have been fingerprinted for a past job or for another group, you will still need to be fingerprinted again through the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. There is no cost for fingerprinting, but volunteers must bring a valid photo ID to be fingerprinted.
For fingerprinting dates within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, click HERE.
3) PARTICIPATE IN VIRTUS TRAINING
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles mandates all staff, whether paid or volunteer, and all adult volunteers (18 yrs.+) who work in any capacity with or around children, the elderly, or people with special needs are required to complete the initial three-hour VIRTUS® Protecting God's Children for Adults program.
VIRTUS training is offered in two phases, (initial training and ongoing training):
Initial Training is a three-hour class, typically offered on weekends or weekday nights in the area. Check the parish bulletin for times and locations in our area or visit: www.virtuswebsite.com for classes in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
Ongoing Training is required to renew your VIRTUS training every four years. One-and-a-half hour classes are offered on weekends or weekday nights in the area. https://lacatholics.org/education-and-training/ for classes in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
For Virtus trainings with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, click HERE
*Participants need to keep the original VIRTUS® Certificate(s). This is proof of training. Please give a copy of the certificate(s) to the parish or school office where you work or volunteer as proof of certification.
Obtain a copy of your certificate for VIRTUS training
Contact Joan Vienna in the Safeguard the Children Office at: [email protected] or 213-637-7227
Provide your name, address, phone number, date of training, facilitator's name, and region (Santa Barbara)
Volunteers under the age of 18 are not required to attend VIRTUS training or be fingerprinted, however parents who choose to volunteer must comply with the requirements for volunteers over the age of 18.
NEED TO REPORT ABUSE? RESPONDING TO A DISCLOSURE OF ABUSE?
All employees and volunteers within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles who suspect abuse are expected to contact Victims Assistance Ministry and, as appropriate, make reports to civil authorities.
Clicking the button below provides support and information to victim-survivors, mandated reporters, and any person working or volunteering in the Archdiocese, to report suspected abuse and/or respond to a disclosure of abuse by complying with reporting laws, and responding knowledgably and with compassion.
The Archdiocese Victims Assistance Coordinator Heather T. Banis may also be reached at (213) 637-7650 or the toll-free number (800)-355-2545.