SAFE ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR VOLUNTEERS

Archdiocesan policy requires that volunteers who may have any possible contact with children complete the following background checks and clearances.   

Volunteers who have regular contact with children (at least one time per week) are required to complete parts one and two of the Safe Environment training within 90 days of beginning their volunteer work.  These training sessions need only be taken once, and do not need to be renewed. At the completion of your training, please log in to your account and print out the Completion Certificate and send it to the rectory office.  

Part I: Protecting God’s Children, is offered regularly at sites throughout the Archdiocese. The training provides basic facts about child sexual abuse and adults’ roles in prevention.   

• You must register in order to attend this class.  REGISTER HERE
• PLEASE NOTE THAT THEY ARE VERY STRICT ABOUT ARRIVAL TIME.  ONCE THE DOORS ARE SHUT, LATE ARRIVALS WILL NOT BE ADMITTED. 

After attending the training class, you must submit TWO (2) documents to the rectory office:

• A signed receipt that you have received and reviewed the Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries for Priests, Deacons, Religious, Pastoral Ministers, Administrators, Staff and Volunteers.  The white copy of the receipt must be returned to the rectory.  
• Your Certificate of Completion will be mailed to the Parish.  You will receive an email stating that you account has been activated.  At that time, you can also access your VIRTUS account and print a copy of your certificate.  

 Part II: The Mandatory Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse, is available online at the Archdiocesan Training Institute and can be conveniently completed at home.  This training provides an overview of Archdiocesan reporting procedures for suspected child abuse and Pennsylvania Child Welfare Laws. The training should take you approximately one hour to complete.  

• Register at the Training Institute:  REGISTER HERE
• At the conclusion, please print your Certificate of Completion and send it to the rectory. 

Volunteers are also required to apply for the following clearances:

Pennsylvania State Police Clearance  – CLICK HERE

• Click the box for NEW RECORD CHECK (Volunteers Only) – the $22 fee is waived for volunteers.

Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance  – CLICK HERE

Click on Child Welfare Portal – Create an individual account.  Call the rectory at 215-946-4040 for a code to have your fee waived.

Once received, a copy of the clearances must be provided to the rectory office.  Clearances are acceptable for five years from the date of issue.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE MANDATORY FOR ALL VOLUNTEERS. 

If you have any questions, or have difficulty accessing any information, please call Karen David at  215-946-4040.