safe environment program
The Diocese of Rockford is committed to providing a safe environment for our youth and children in all parishes. At St. Rita, we abide by the Diocesan Safe Environment Program and The Charter for Protection of Children and Young People. We are committed to preventing sexual abuse and remain diligent in our vigorous efforts to educate in the detection, and prevention and reporting of abuse and to assist victims in healing. To that end, all clergy, employees and volunteers age 16 and older must complete the necessary safe environment training prior to beginning employment or volunteering in any ministry and have it documented through their Virtus online account.
Click here for the Safe Environment Compliance Summary for Clergy, Employees & Volunteers.
FOR FIRST TIME VIRTUS REGRISTRANTS:
Go to www.Virtus.org and click on First Time Registrant and answer the prompts accordingly. You will be asked for a password for the Diocese of Rockford. Contact Jean Peterson or church office personnel at 815-398-0853 for the password. Once you complete the registration process you will be asked to read and acknowledge various safe environment documents. Follow prompts accordingly. When asked if you attended a Virtus Protecting God’s Children session you will select NO and then select online training for the Diocese of Rockford. Click the green circle to begin the training. Once this training has been completed your account will be approved by the Diocese and we will run the required background check.
Below is a short video to help you register as well.
Contact Jean Peterson at the Parish Office 815-398-0853 or parishoffice@stritarockford.org for information on how to complete the requirements or if you have any other questions.