Awareness and Training for Protecting Children—Available Now

The PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN™ Program for Adults: trains adults on how to protect all children. The training makes participants aware of the signs of child sexual abuse, the methods and means by which offenders commit abuse, and five easy steps one can take to prevent child sexual abuse. Two videos are the centerpiece of the training: A Time to Protect God’s Children and A Plan to Protect God’s Children. The training is customized incorporating your archdiocese’s, diocese’s, religious institute's, or other organization's policies and procedures. Training includes onsite instruction from a certified trainer, 12 online training bulletins per year, and an annual re-certification training course via the VIRTUS Online™ system.

The PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN Program for Facilitators (train-the-trainer program): trains a select group of employees and/or volunteers to train others using the PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN Program for Adults. Trainees are required to complete 12 VIRTUS® for Facilitators training bulletins per year in addition to the 24 PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN for Adults training bulletins via the VIRTUS Online system.

Victim Advocacy Training: trains victim advocates on how to offer and provide compassionate support to victims of abuse and others impacted by exploitation. Instructor-led training includes exercises, role-playing and discussions. Training explores the history of child sexual abuse, myths about child sexual abuse, and the role of the advocate in preventing abuse. In addition to the instructor-led training, the training also includes 12 Victim Advocate training bulletins and an annual re-certification course via the VIRTUS Online system.

VIRTUS Investigation Training: trains personnel on how to effectively investigate wrongdoing including allegations of child sexual abuse. The training offers basic principles and techniques for conducting an effective investigation that fairly balances the interests of all parties. In addition to the instructor-led training, the training includes 12 VIRTUS Investigation training bulletins and an annual re-certification course via the VIRTUS Online system.