Virtus – Protecting God’s Children

“What is the VIRTUS”

The VIRTUS “Protecting God’s Children” training program is designed to increase one’s knowledge and awareness of child sexual abuse and how one can help prevent the sexual abuse of minors and to implement the proper response when abuse may be indicated.

The primary goal of the VIRTUS program is to educate all volunteers in the recognition and prevention of sexual abuse. VIRTUS – Protecting God’s Children

This course is required for all employees and volunteers in Catholic churches, schools and ministries throughout the Diocese of Cleveland. The training sessions are part of the Diocese’s – and the Catholic Church’s commitment – to keeping children safe from sexual abuse.

The VIRTUS class trains parents, grandparents, teachers – anyone – to recognize signs of sexual abuse, spot abusers and prevent situations that could enable predators to harm children or vulnerable adults. It is required that anyone volunteering complete the training class (room parents, lunchroom helpers, coaches, parents who volunteer to read to a class, drive for a field trip, help with a party in the classroom, etc).

Classes are offered throughout the year, across the diocese. The class is free and must be taken only once.

Here is a link to Virtus Online.

*The name, ‘VIRTUS’ (vir-toos) is derived from the Latin word that means valor, moral strength, and worth.