Safe Environment Practices

Protecting children, youth and vulnerable adults is of highest importance at parishes and Catholic schools throughout the Archdiocese.

All clergy and parish, school and archdiocesan employees, as well as volunteers who have either regular or unsupervised interaction with minors or vulnerable adults must complete the Essential 3 requirements: participate in VIRTUS safe environment training, undergo a criminal background check, and adhere to a code of conduct.

Catholic schools and parish faith formation and youth ministry programs have been teaching children and youth age-appropriate lessons about personal safety and sexual abuse prevention since 2006.

Learn more about how parishes and Catholic schools work to establish safe environments under Promise to Protect.

Adult Volunteer 18+ Working with Children or Vulnerable Adults:

All clergy and parish, school and archdiocesan employees, as well as all volunteers who have either regular or unsupervised interaction with minors or vulnerable adults, must complete the Essential 3 (E3) requirements:

·         Background Check

·         Code of Conduct

·         Safe Environment Training

Youth Volunteer (age 13-17) Working with Children:

·         Code of Conduct

·         Safe Environment Training (Personal Safety Lesson from Classroom)

·         2 Reference Letters

To ensure completion of the requirements before volunteering, or to confirm your status, contact Shawn Yerges: 651.674.4056, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Additional resources, including details on how to report suspected child abuse and resources for Victim Assistance, are available from the Archdiocese.