Protecting God’s Children
St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Diocese of Savannah is committed to providing safe environments and fostering continuous improvement in every organization that sponsors activities and/or provides services to children and youth.
St. Joseph’s is also committed to helping promote dignity in life at all stages, from conception in a mother’s womb to one’s natural death. We believe that life is a gift from God and that He is the ultimate Creator of it and we seek to promote its dignity and importance at all stages. For crisis pregnancies, post abortion support, and natural family planning we endorse the St. Maximilian Kolbe Center for Life, which is located here in Macon at 833 Walnut St, Macon, GA 31201 Macon, GA 31201.
You may reach them at: (478) 257-4425 or at their website: Kolbe Center for Life
Safe Environment Requirements
Because every adult volunteer and employee is a mandatory reporter (GA Code 19-7-5), the Diocese of Savannah requires the following of employees and volunteers:
VIRTUS PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN FOR ADULTS TRAINING
Employees/volunteers who meet certain criteria must read a VIRTUS Monthly Training Bulletin. If more than 2 bulletins go unread, the employee/volunteer is pulled from ministry until they are current.
All employees/volunteers must recertify training at a five-year interval, either by
- completing an online Re-Certification Module assigned by the parish/school or
- attending another Protecting God’s Children training session.
BACKGROUND CHECK
Any background check on file completed before August 1, 2017 is subject for renewal at five years. The parish or school will notify you.
Any background check on file completed on or after August 1, 2017 does not need renewal.
CODE OF CONDUCT
The Code of Conduct must be understood and acknowledged by the employee/volunteer signature, either physical or electronic.
POLICY ON THE PREVENTION OF SEXUAL ABUSE OF MINORS
The Policy on the Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Minors (rev April 2023) must be read and acknowledged by the employee/volunteer signature, either physical or electronic.
How To Register for VIRTUS Training Sessions
You must pre-register online for VIRTUS training sessions. Click here to view online registration instructions. To register, visit www.virtus.org, click the “First Time Registrant” button on the left side of the webpage, and choose Savannah, GA (Diocese) from the pull-down menu. You’ll be able to view and select upcoming VIRTUS training sessions.
Protecting Our Youth:
Effective June 28, 2021, diocesan policy requires ALL employees and volunteers (age 18 and up) to be Safe Environment compliant. This means he/she must receive VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children for Adults training, undergo a background check, and read and acknowledge a Code of Conduct in advance of employment or volunteering in ministry. A five-year training refresher is required for all active volunteers/employees, and certain roles require monthly training bulletins. If you have any questions, please contact your parish/school Safe Environment Coordinator, or Joan Altmeyer, Director Safe Environment at 912-201-4074.