Protecting God's Children® for Adults

Protecting God's Children® for Adults is training conducted by VIRTUS® certified facilitators on the prevention of child sexual abuse. 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 use 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 facilitators incorporate policies and procedures into the training defining child sexual abuse, addressing the reporting of child sexual abuse, the screening and selection of employees and volunteers, and victim advocacy.

Protecting All Children™ for Adults

Protecting All Children™ identifies best practices programs designed to help prevent wrongdoing and promote "rightdoing" within organizations. The programs empower organizations and people to better control risk and improve the lives of all those who interact with the organization. All Protecting All Children™ training programs are comprehensive and multi-dimensional--incorporating proven best practice standards for the prevention of child sexual abuse and other wrongdoing by employees, volunteers, and others who interact with children within the environment. Our training programs incorporate various options, including live training, train-the-facilitator education, awareness videos, and regularly scheduled continuing education and training via state-of-the-art web-based training/tracking and education courses. The training is conducted by certified facilitators on the prevention of child sexual abuse, and 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 use to prevent and better respond to child sexual abuse. Two videos are the centerpiece of the training: A Time to Protect All Children™ and A Plan to Protect All Children™.

Empowering God's Children®

Protecting God's Children, Empowering God's Children®, is a school-based curriculum. The job of ensuring children's safety is a challenging undertaking. The prevention of child sexual abuse requires more than adult awareness, education, and training about the nature and scope of the problem. We must also give our children the tools they need to overcome the advances of someone who intends to do them harm. The Teaching Safety program is a vehicle through which parents, teachers, catechists, and youth ministers (educators) give children and young people the tools they need to protect themselves from those who might harm them.

The award-winning Power to Protect™ video lays the groundwork for the educator, who uses the activities to help students apply the message from the lessons to their daily lives. The lessons are organized in a three-year cycle so each child experiences a totally different lesson plan each time the materials are presented. Each child receives the full range of information from the Teaching Teaching Safety Guide in small, "digestible" bites, over a three-year period. Then, as a child advances to the next age group, there are a whole new set of age appropriate lessons that explore the major topics in increasingly greater detail.

The Teaching Boundary and Safety Guide™ is a booklet guide that provides best practices for caring adults, lesson leaders and parents for teaching children how to protect themselves. It can be used as a stand-alone guide, or can be distributed to caring adults and parents to assist with the Teaching Safety Program for Children. In an effort to assist in this monumental mission of protecting youth, all of our programs, including our school-based curriculum and this booklet guide, provide for collaboration between parents and lesson leaders in establishing safety guidelines and principles. Through these programs, caring adults become partners with parents to ensure that all children are protected and that youth also have the tools they need to protect themselves.

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VIRTUS® Online Training / Tracking Platform

VIRTUS® Online is the brand name that identifies a state-of-the-art, web-based platform that provides resources, tracking and compliance functionality 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our system provides a comprehensive menu of functions for churches, religious entities and organizations from one convenient web-based resource. Everything your organization needs to best serve the community and protect children is housed in our user-friendly database to include:

  • User-friendly database for record access and management
  • Internet-based training, including initial and ongoing training options
  • Background check integration, background check recertification / rechecks
  • Electronic Signature Acknowledgement for documents such as the organization's Policy, Code of Conduct and other important records
  • Transfer and upload of existing data into our platform
  • Downloadable user certificates after training completion
  • Customizable bundled packaging or a la carte
  • Online and offline program options
  • English and Spanish functionality
  • Help desk for troubleshooting with live communication utilizing customer service representatives

Keeping the Promise Alive™ Refresher Program

Keeping the Promise Alive is a refresher program that provides ongoing awareness for the prevention of child sexual abuse. The material covered in Keeping the Promise Alive is designed to identify and reinforce the lessons of the original Protecting God's Children® for Adults program. For example, some of the more challenging aspects of the sessions are clarified to strengthen the participants' ability to recognize risky behavior in their environments and take action to intervene in potentially threatening situations. This program answers the questions, "What have been some results of the Protecting God's Children program, and what else can we all do to keep youth safe?"

In addition, it reinforces these key issues:

  • Warning signs of risky behaviors
  • The need to communicate concerns about the behavior of another adult
  • Identifying a healthy suspicion
  • Appropriate responses by caring adults, and
  • Program success stories

Keeping the Promise Alive is available in DVD format in English and Spanish, and comes with an instruction manual to help facilitate a refresher session. A Participant Workbook is also available, and the entire program is also available online.

Ongoing Training Opportunities

Additional ongoing training opportunities can be provided through training bulletins and modules&emdash;all available online! Bulletins are monthly educational snippets presented as training articles designed to reinforce awareness and prevention best practices.

Multiple online training modules exist, with more constantly in development to provide the most current information. Modules are excellent tools to provide refresher trainings, or follow-up training. While modules are primarily used in online settings, several of them are available on a DVD or flash drive for a live session. They are also customizable. Below is a list of available modules that can be used as ongoing (supplemental or refresher) training for your organization. An additional option is for us to create a module specifically for your organization.

Protecting God's Children® Online Awareness Session 3.0

The Protecting God's Children® for Adults training educates adults on how to become better protectors of children from child sexual abuse. About an hour and fifteen minutes in length, the program is a truncated version of the live training with video excerpts from the videos of A Time to Protect God's Children™ and A Plan to Protect God's Children™ surrounded by other important content. Viewers become aware of the context and issues surrounding child sexual abuse, the methods and means by which offenders offend and the ways in which abuse affects victims, their families, the parish and the community. Participants are also empowered with action items and five easy steps to prevent and best respond to child sexual abuse, addressing warning signs, controlling access, screening, employee and volunteer selection, victim advocacy and reporting. This program is also available in Spanish.

Protecting God's Children® Online Maltreatment Awareness Session 3.2

The Protecting God's Children® Online Maltreatment Awareness training educates adults on how to become better protectors of children from all types of types child maltreatment, including physical abuse, psychological / verbal abuse, sexual abuse and neglect. About an hour in length, the program has video excerpts from the videos of A Time to Protect God's Children™ and A Plan to Protect God's Children™ surrounded by other important content. Viewers become aware of the context and issues surrounding child abuse, methods and means by which offenders offend and the ways in which abuse affects victims and the entire community. Participants are also empowered with action items and five easy steps to prevent and best respond to each type of child maltreatment. Time investment: This module takes approximately 60 minutes to complete. It is also available in Spanish.

Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Module 1.0

This module focuses on the sexual abuse of children regarding prevention and proper response. Also included is information on upholding proper boundaries and how to address a child's disclosure, in addition to reporting material to authorities based on the level of concern. Time investment: It will take approximately 35 minutes to complete. This module is available in English and Spanish.

Technology and Virtual Boundaries Awareness: Online Communication With Youth

In the ever-changing world of technology, understanding the concept of "virtual boundaries" is critical as employees and volunteers may have electronic contact with minors. This module delineates appropriate virtual boundaries, monitoring, best practices and communicating concerns. It may be utilized as a stand-alone module or combined with any other module as a "Technology Expansion." Time investment: It will take approximately 10 minutes to complete and is available in English and Spanish.

Children's Programs Lesson Leader Orientation and Certification Training [for the Children's Empowering God's Children Programming]

A "Lesson Leader" may be the person designated by the parish/school to provide the safe environment lessons to youth or may also be the parent/guardian. This module assists the Lesson Leader, regardless of their role in the youth's life, by equipping them with essential elements to be successful in leading the lessons, including foundational concepts, practical orientation on preparing both the provided Lesson Plans and the environment, and information on how to navigate child disclosures and reporting. This is a trackable, self-paced program that has two access points per the intended participant: it can be assigned electronically to the organization's designated Lesson Leaders to assist them in leading the children in our Empowering God's Children® safe environment lessons for youth. It can also be provided specifically to parents through a dedicated link. Time investment: This module takes approximately 25 minutes to complete. It is currently available in English and will be available in Spanish soon.

Teaching Boundaries and Safety Module 2.0

The Teaching Boundaries and Safety Module is an online training that provides best practices for employees, volunteers, caring adults and parents, equipping them on how to be better protectors of children, and on how to teach children to better protect themselves. This online module builds from the foundation of the Teaching Boundaries and Safety Guide™, and provides easy conversation starters, bulleted tips and quick summaries of pertinent information. It can be used as a standalone online training or supplemental training to provide any adult a self-paced resource on a variety of topics ranging from age-appropriate discussions, how to communicate with all ages, problematic behavior that would raise concerns, and pro-tips and resources for communication. Time investment: This module takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. This module is also available in Spanish.

Healthy Relationships for Teens™ 2.0

This online module is primarily intended for youth and helps them to identify the differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships. The module also equips teens to follow a plan to "do the right thing" for themselves, and others, upon recognizing an unhealthy situation. Caring adults may also partake of this module as well, as the material is not simply applicable to teens. Healthy relationships lead to happy lives. Time investment: This module will take approximately 35 minutes to complete with variation due to question comprehension. This program is currently available in English.

Healthy Relationships for Teens™ 2.0_Expansion with Safe Environment Components

This online module is an extension to the Healthy Relationships for Teens 2.0™ and is expanded with Safe Environment Information. It is intended for minors who assist the organization in a limited capacity, whether the youth is a volunteer helper, a youth seeking service hours, or as a youth employed by the organization. In any program or environment involving children, there are special considerations to note, and an increased level of observation. While the responsibility to ensure the safety of children is 100% that of adults, teens can assist in this endeavor, too. Time investment: This combined module will take approximately 40 minutes to complete with variation due to question comprehension. This program is currently available in English.

Vulnerable Adult Training™

This module addresses the varied types of abuse surrounding vulnerable adults. A multidimensional program, this online module first looks at the varied definitions, context and reality of Vulnerable Adult abuse. Then, five steps are presented to help caring adults know proper behavior to both prevent abuse and to properly respond if aware of a problem. It can be utilized as a supplemental training, a refresher training, or even a stand-alone program for caregiving adults specifically involved in Vulnerable Adult Ministry. It is available in English and Spanish, online, DVD and in print format. Time investment: This module takes approximately 35 minutes to complete.

Sexual Harassment Online Training Module™ 1.0

This module assists organizations in creating healthier working environments to reduce inappropriate sexual harassment conduct, prevent future occurrences and overall reduce risk. It helps identify problematic behavior, develop safe best practices and how to report before a situation becomes escalated. Caring adults will have an opportunity to review case studies and answer interactive questions designed to evaluate comprehension. Time investment: This module will take approximately 50 minutes to complete with variation due to case-study comprehension. This program is also available in Spanish.

Anti-Harassment Training Module™ 2.0

While workplace behavior is typically appropriate, there are some actions that can be construed as harassment or bullying. No organization is immune from harassment that can take multiple forms. The Anti-Harassment Training Module 2.0™ is the second edition of the Sexual Harassment Training Module 1.0™ and has been enhanced to include multiple types of discrimination and adult bullying. This anti-harassment training covers the following specific items, and more, such as the different types of verbal and non-verbal harassment, prevention and proper response, best practices for a positive work environment, and the complaint process, retaliation, and resources. Time investment: This module will take approximately 65 minutes to complete with variation due to the individual's case-study comprehension. This module is also available in Spanish.

Anti-Harassment Training Module 2.0_Manager Expansion™

This module is an extension to the Anti-Harassment Training Module 2.0™, specifically for managers and supervisors. Managers and supervisors first participate in the Anti-Harassment Training Module 2.0™, then transition seamlessly to the add-on Manager Expansion. This module has case study examples and interactive questions to evaluate comprehension, in addition to:

  • Awareness and application of the law for compliance
  • Understanding connections between inappropriate behavior, bullying, harassment & discrimination
  • Assistance on developing an organizational culture of civility and respect
  • Tips to observe the environment and proactively address questionable behavior before escalation
  • Best practices, protocols, and suggested language for receiving and addressing complaints

Time investment: This combined module will take approximately 95 minutes to complete with variation due to case-study comprehension. This program is currently available in English.

The International Priests™ Program

This program equips international priests with insights on safer boundaries and accepted behaviors within the U.S., and clarifies challenging aspects of ministering within the U.S. It is supplemental training for the international priest that complements any other safe environment program currently being used by the religious congregation, community or diocese. The program also strengthens the priests' ability to recognize unsafe behavior and take action ahead of time within a culture not their own. A Safe Environment Awareness Program for International Priests is available in DVD format and in an online module. A manual to help facilitate the session is included in the materials.

Yearly Recertification Modules: Based on Training Bulletins

An individual receives a yearly recertification module after reading the online training bulletins for 12 months. The module typically refreshes the person over the 12 months of training material. The recertification trainings are different from an actual online module. The recertification modules are automatically assigned to the user by the system and require an individual to have a "license." Yearly recertification modules can also be manually assigned or utilized as a refresher.

Pathways™ for Religious Orders

PATHWAYS is an online continuing education program for Religious Orders with training and tracking capabilities. The VIRTUS® Online continuing education programs have afforded many Arch/Dioceses and Religious Communities efficient, enriching and easy-to-manage programs that have benefited an untold number of priests, religious and the faithful.

We are well-acquainted with the demands of ministry that ReligiousCommunities face on a daily basis. Their members are challenged with bringing forth the Gospel in an ever-changing world filled with technology that can be daunting. We also know how the requirements for maintaining accreditation may be taxing upon those within the administration of religious Provinces. To this end, VIRTUS® has developed an exciting, new program exclusively for religious communities. Following in our time-proven tradition, the VIRTUS® Programs can offer your community a variety of items through PATHWAYS

  • Four (4) Online Comprehensive Training Bulletins per year with an included retention question, along with points for reflection and discussion (this covers and exceeds what is required for each member for each year of accreditation)
  • Material on current topics (written by leaders in the field) that is relevant to living religious life in today's world with a primary focus on integrating mental, spiritual, physical and emotional health. A theological focus is paramount in each Training Bulletin.
  • Easy, online access to continuing education for each community member
  • Option for printing hard copies of bulletins for the technologically stressed
  • Current, accurate and safe tracking system to monitor the progress of your members
  • A yearly report with print-ready data to submit in the administrative accreditation reports
  • Option for printing certificates of completion for each member
  • Affordable, confidential and direct services with accessibility to a trained staff always ready to assist you

Customization

There is a level of customization that we can do for any module—particularly with regard to the "bookend" introduction and exit text, as well as combining two training modules into one. We can also add an additional lesson to any of the modules that pulls from your policy or code of conduct, or information you would like the participants to know. Please reach out to us and we can let you know the extent of that customization.

 

 

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