VIRTUS Safe Environment Training

Training Requirements

The  Archdiocese of Seattle has had a long commitment to the protection of children, youth, and vulnerable adults.  As a part of that commitment, the Archdiocese established the Safe Environment Program, which is aimed at eradicating the tragedy of abuse in our society.

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A major part of the Safe Environment Program is training that is required for all Church and School Personnel. Church and School Personnel includes church and school employees and all volunteers who work with children, youth or vulnerable adults.  If you are involved in ministry/volunteering with any of these groups, please read the training requirements outlined below. If you are unsure whether you need to complete any training, please contact the school.

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Initial Training

All new church and school personnel and volunteers are required to complete the Protecting God’s Children classroom training. It is the policy of St. Michael Parish that this training must be completed by volunteers who work with children, youth or vulnerable adults.

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Requirements for those with access to minors or vulnerable adults: 

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• Background check completed on or before the first day of service and every three years while in active service.

• Abuse prevention initial training completed within 30 days of starting service and refresher training every three years while in active service.

• Policies read and signed on or before the first day of service.

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Background Check

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Background checks must be authorized by each individual requesting a criminal background check search. Applications are initiated through your Virtus profile: you will be re-directed to the PeopleFacts Trak-1 website to give authorization and complete your application. To avoid errors in this process, please read and complete each step and do not leave the Trak-1 page until your application is submitted.  Once submission is complete, you will be directed back to your Virtus profile to complete any other needed Safe Environment requirements.

Background checks must be renewed every three years while you are actively serving in the Archdiocese of Seattle.  Renewal notifications are automatically sent by Virtus approximately one week prior to the due date.   See the resource "Renewing a Background Check in Virtus" for further instructions.

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SEP 2023 - Renewing a Background Check (Spanish)

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Please register at virtusonline.org. Click on “Registration” and simply follow the prompts for “Protecting God’s Children” (online training). You will also be required to complete a background check authorization and assent to Safe Environment policies upon registration.

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You will see a listing of available classes. You will choose “Seattle, WA (Archdiocese)” as your organization.​

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If you do not have internet access, you may come to the school to complete your registration. Please schedule a time with the school office.

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Setting up Virtus Profile 2024 Spanish

 

Periodic Updates
After you attend an initial training course, you will be required to complete an online every two years. You will receive a notification from the Archdiocese when your online training is due.
 

For more information or for assistance creating a VIRTUS account, please call Mona Bishop at the parish at (360) 292-7141 or mbishop@saintmichaelparish.org