VIRTUS TRAINING - (child safety training and certification).
ALL St. John's volunteers are REQUIRED to complete the Virtus training and certification set up by the Archdiocese of Baltimore. You will not be allowed to serve as a volunteer until you have completed all the steps and the references and background screen have been returned.
VIRTUS is the "child protection" training and certification that is required for parish staff and volunteers. You may have had to take similar training like this elsewhere but this is specific to the AOB standards. It is also good information for us as adults because it includes how to respond if a child tells you about abuse or you witness questionable activities. At any point in time, we could have Council members or spouses that interact with children so we are considered "substantial contacts" with youth. This is REQUIRED for all who wish to participate in Council events and activities. The process of checking references takes weeks so start this as soon as possible, please.
Please read these directions carefully so you know how to set up your account and start the process:
There are step by step directions available on the website listed below. It is instructions to walk you through the process and includes links to get you to the training. It will show you screen by screen what is required of you and makes it very easy. https://stjohn-frederick.org/shield-the-vulnerable/(Click here)
*******Some things to note: When selecting your location, ensure you have St John's FREDERICK
All volunteers at St John the Evangelist are considered "substantial contact volunteers", regardless of where and how you are serving.
Be sure that you complete all of the information. Your title or function would be your ministry eg: Knights of Columbus volunteer. You are setting up an AOB account, so if you end up volunteering for other activities or at another AOB church or school - this training will count. If you can only select one activity, then just list the one you do most often.
There are four steps to getting completely certified:
1) complete a background screen,
2) list 3 references,
3) read the required material,
4) complete the video material.
All these steps are mandatory for participation in any of our ministries. When you list your 3 references please include phones and emails. It helps the process go more quickly.
Last updated 11/7/2023.