What are the components of the Diocese of Knoxville's Safe Environment Program?

• Diocese of Knoxville Policy and Procedure Relating to Sexual Misconduct.  All employees, regular volunteers and regular independent contractors are required to read and document and sign Appendices D, F, and H.
• Position-specific Background Check.  All employees and regular volunteers must undergo a limited background check, depending on the position each will fill.
• VIRTUS.  All employees, regular volunteers and regular independent contractors must attend a three-hour presentation and continuing education online.
• Keeping Kids Safe.  Ongoing training of children using age-appropriate material done annually in class by catechist or Catholic school teacher.

What is a "limited background check"?

• We ask employees and regular volunteers to authorize (1) a National Criminal Offender Search, which checks for sex offenders, violent offenders and felony drug convictions and (2) a Social Security trace, which serves as an additional identified for criminal information.  Depending on your position, your parish or school may add a motor vehicle check for those who will be transporting children and a credit check for those who will regularly handle money.

Who must comply with the Safe Environment Program?

• Besides employees of the diocese, all regular volunteers must comply.

What is a "regular" volunteer?

• A regular volunteer is periodically involved with children.  If you chaperone a dance, for instance, one time only, you aren't a regular volunteer.  If, however, you are involved with children on a periodic basis, you must comply with the Safe Environment Program before you will be allowed to volunteer.  For example, (1) if you volunteer in your child's classroom once a week, (2) if you chaperone an offsite event, (3) if you provided extended transportation, such as driving a group of children to camp, and/or (4) if you assist at youth ministry events, you are considered a regular volunteer.

If one parent participates, is that sufficient for the family?

• No.  Both parents need to complete all the steps if both plan to be regular volunteers.

When is VIRTUS training offered?

• VIRTUS sessions are scheduled periodically, as the need arises.  The most important thing to remember is that they are offered only periodically, so you should attend as soon as possible because you will not be allowed to volunteer until you do.

How do I register for VIRTUS training?

• Go to www.virtusonline.org
• At far left:  Click "Register"
• Follow prompts
• Day of training:  SIGN IN on paper roster at the site and attend session
• When individual has done all of the above, s/he will receive an e-mail activating him or her in the system.

How do I complete a training bulletin online?

• After s/he has been activated by the VIRTUS administrator, the individual will begin receiving e-mails from "system@virtus.org" announcing the availability of a new bulletin and giving a link to the site.
• Log on with username and password.
• Click on "My Training" tab.
• On far right, there is a box titled "Training Bulletin Report".
• Click on message that says there are training bulletin(s) to complete.
• Read the bulletin and answer the multiple choice question to get credit for the bulletin.

I have a new e-mail address. How do I change that information on the VIRTUS website?

• To change an e-mail address (or any other personal information) on the VIRTUS website:
• Log onto www.virtusonline.org using username and password
• Click on "Update my Account"
• After changing personal information, click "Save"

I participated in the Safe Environment Program at my parish. I want to volunteer at my child's school. Do I have to go through all the steps again?'

• You don't have to attend another VIRTUS session but you are expected to keep your profile updated.  You do this by logging onto www.virtusonline.org and updating your profile.  You will, however, have to undergo a new background check at the school where you are volunteering and re-sign Appendices D, F and H of the Diocese of Knoxville Policy and Procedure Relating to Sexual Misconduct.

What is involved in the Keeping Kids Safe portion of the Safe Environment Program?

• Annual training is conducted at your child's Catholic school or in religious education classes using age-appropriate material.  At the beginning of the school year, parents are given a Keeping Kids Safe Acknowledgement Form to complete and return.  A parent may acknowledge s/he is aware the training will be offered, or a parent may decline to have his or her children participate.  If a parent declines, s/he will have to inform his/her pastor or principal in writing of the decision.