What is VIRTUS and Who Does It Involve?

“Every adult connected with a parish, school or agency in the Catholic Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas will have an opportunity to attend a forum designed to prevent the abuse of children. The "To Protect God’s Children" program identifies the warning signs of abuse and teaches strategies for maintaining safe environments for children.

When adults who interact with children increase their awareness of child sexual abuse, they form a shield that protects children. That shield is a network of adults alert to potentially abusive situations and children with the confidence to speak up. Participants will learn how to discuss different aspects of abuse, including sexual abuse, with children and how to teach them to protect themselves.

In addition to the community forums, the Archdiocese requires all employees and volunteers who work with children to complete the training. It is my intent that every minister, educator, youth worker, and employee attends a forum. To strengthen the program, it is also my intention that they will participate in an on-line continuing education program.

Enhanced by a series of videotaped statements from abuse perpetrators, child victims, and parents, the three-hour sessions will be scheduled for parishes throughout the archdiocese. These awareness sessions will be available in both English and Spanish. They will be lead by people from our Archdiocese specially trained as facilitators. Sessions will be publicized through parishes, schools and in the Leaven
  ~By Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher

Continuing Training

After attending a VIRTUS session, you may be chosen based on your role in the parish to receive additional training. To continue working with children, you must complete the Virtus session and all follow up training. This includes monthly bulletins that are sent to you by e-mail. You must read the article and answer the question to receive credit. After one year, you will receive information to re-certify (takes approximately 15 minutes). If you have questions about VIRTUS, please contact our Local Parish Safe Environment Coordinator, Ramona Galvan at [email protected]