Youth Protection

Diocese of Birmingham

Child and Youth Protection Information

VIRTUS ONLINE YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING

The Diocese of Birmingham has long recognized that children, youth and other vulnerable persons can be at risk for certain individuals present in every community. Individuals who for whatever reason, prey on those weaker than themselves. We recognize that whenever children and youth are out of their parent's direct care they are especially at risk.

In 1991 a set of policies and procedures were promulgated to help ensure that Catholic institutions and programs would be as safe as possible from those seeking to harm minors. Training sessions were implemented to prepare staff and volunteers to continue their ministries in safe and healthy ways, and to properly respond and report allegations of suspected child abuse. 

Policies, procedures, and training continue to change and grow as the needs of Catholic institutions have changed.

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To meet these requirements, the Diocese of Birmingham offers an On-Line Youth Protection Class.  There is no cost to complete this course and the training is valid for a three-year period.  Please begin the On-Line Training Class by clicking the appropriate link. 

GENERAL INFORMATION

Code of Conduct:

This is a foundational document that specifies current youth protection rules. The Code of Conduct provides a set of minimum requirements. A parish or school may choose to add conditions to the Code of local use. The Diocesan Review Board periodically reviews the Code of Conduct. You will acknowledge the Code of Conduct within the Virtus training module.

Adult Training and Criminal Background Checks

Training and Background checks are required for any adult who has contact with children or youth in a Catholic institution. Training must be renewed every three (3) years.

· Training – An online session, "Protecting God's Children 4.0,” offered by VIRTUS Online, is the required Youth Protection course required by the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama. There is no cost to the user for completing this training. Click the ONLINE TRAINING button to the right to be redirected to the VIRTUS Online site to begin the course. The course is available in English or Spanish. Also, in English with Korean or Vietnamese subtitles.

· Protecting God's Children covers the following basic information:

· The Diocesan Code of Conduct, along with a quiz to make sure everyone understands how it applies

· Signs an adult may see in a child who has been abused

· What actions an adult must take when he or she believes child abuse of any kind is occurring

· Criminal Background Screen Requirements

· Volunteers: Volunteer background screens are done through the Virtus website.

· Church/School Employees: Conducted through the Diocesan Human Resources Department. This background screen qualifies under the Diocesan Code of Conduct for those who work with minors as employees and/or volunteers

· Certified School Teachers in Catholic Schools: Conducted through the Alabama State Board of Education and managed through the Diocesan Superintendent of Schools.

· Seminarians: Must pass the employee background screen through the diocesan Office for Human Resources.

Reports of suspected child abuse should first be made to the Alabama Department of Human Resources or the Local Police. A secondary report should be made to the Diocese of Birmingham if the abuse has occurred in the context of a Catholic institution. Report to the Diocese by calling Al Manzella at 205-597-9058.