Prevent and Protect STL
The Archdiocese of St. Louis Child and Youth Protection Office has developed a new system for safe environment compliance called Prevent and Protect STL. Everyone ministering to minors and vulnerable adults (clergy, employees and volunteers) in the Archdiocese are required and asked to register in the new system before December 31, 2020. This includes those new to service and those who are currently in service.
For those who were in compliance in the old VIRTUS system: you will need to register in this new system for a background screening, view two new online training modules on abuse reporting and read and sign the Code of Ethical Conduct. If you already attended a Protecting God’s Children workshop, your previous training date will transfer to this new system.
In addition to attending a live Protecting God’s Children Workshop, all clergy, volunteers, and employees will register for an updated background screening, view two new online training modules on abuse reporting and the Code of Ethical Conduct, and agree to the updated Code of Ethical Conduct.
New to the system? 1) Register for the live Protecting God’s Children workshop and a background screening, 2) view two new online training modules on abuse reporting, and 3) read and sign the Code of Ethical Conduct- all online.
Please go to www.preventandprotectstl.org to register. The passcode is stlprotect. Contact our Parish Child Safety Coordinator, Patty Stevens ([email protected], 314-968-0760) with any questions or for further assistance. In this new system all forms are filled out electronically, and no forms are kept at the parish.
To access Protecting God’s Children (PGC) workshops and/or the Office of Child and Youth Protection: https://www.preventandprotectstl.org
Children grades 12 and under who volunteer are required to fill out the Code of Ethics for Minors and return the form to the parish office. Anyone out of high school is considered an adult.
All volunteers and employees who work with children must be in full compliance with the Safe Environment Program. This includes attending a Protecting God's Children workshop, undergoing a background check updated in even-numbered years, having an FBI fingerprint check if you have lived outside of Missouri within the past five years, and signing the Code of Ethical Conduct. These requirements are mandated by the United States Council of Catholic Bishops and are followed by every diocese in the country. The policies are the Church's attempt to ensure the suitability of all adults who work or volunteer around your children.
If you have any questions about your compliance, contact Patty Stevens ([email protected], 314-968-0760).