What is VIRTUS Online?

VIRTUS Online is the online website of the Diocese of Madison used to store Safe Environment information on users within our parishes, schools and organizations.  It is accessed by users who create their own accounts and it integrates with our background check company to provide overall results on the background checks which are part of building a safe environment in our communities.

What is the Protecting God’s Children® program?

The Protecting God’s Children program was created by National Catholic Risk Retention Group, Inc. (formerly National Catholic) in response to the priest abuse crisis within the Catholic Church on March of 1998, by the past board chariman, Msgr.  Kevin McCoy, who gathered prominent experts, program and service providers to probe the question of whether child sexual abuse could be prevented and what tools would help to accomplish this.  From these discussions the initiative for the “Virtus” program (“Virtus” is derived from Latin, noting a way of life and manner of behavior that always aspired to the highest, most positive attributes of human interaction) which promote on-site and online tools to protect children, including the specific Protecting God’s Children online awareness training.

How does the Protecting God’s Children program prevent child sexual abuse?

The Protecting God’s Children program consists of many components. The education component helps prevent child sexual abuse by first making every adult employee and volunteer aware of the issues surrounding child sexual abuse. This includes awareness of the many ways that sexual abuse harms its victims, their families, the parish, and the community. The awareness session also helps adults learn to recognize the warning signs of abuse, and shows them the appropriate way to respond to suspicious behavior. Finally, the awareness session empowers each person with five steps to help prevent child sexual abuse.

The Diocese of Madison requires that all volunteers who work with children and vulnerable adults and all employees complete the Protecting God’s Children for Adults training online. Please check with your local Parish Safe Environment Coordinator for any additional requirements