click here for information DIOCESE OF LANSING - PROTECTING GOD'S CHILDREN
St. Thomas Aquinas Parish School is committed to providing a safe environment for all of our children. Therefore, we abide by the Safe Environment: Protecting God’ Children policies put forth by the U.S. Bishops in 2002. These policies mandate the Diocese of Lansing requirement that all adults 18 years and older who interact with minors are required to complete the following steps before working or volunteering in any capacity with our students.
1. Protecting God’s Children (VIRTUS) LIVE TRAINING SESSION or ONLINE SESSION
2. Diocese of Lansing Employee and Volunteer Criminal Background Check Disclosure and Authorization form
3. Read and sign the Catholic Diocese of Lansing Code of Conduct for Clergy, Employees and Volunteers Form
These forms are available on the school office or by clicking on the above links.
The Protecting God’s Children (VIRTUS) training workshop, which includes videos and facilitated discussions, educates and trains adults (clergy, religious teachers, staff, coaches, parents, and volunteers) about the warning signs of child sexual abuse, ways to help prevent this abuse, methods of properly reporting suspicions of abuse, and responding to allegations of abuse. This crucial information will empower each adult to rise to the challenge of protecting all of God’s children.
Training sessions are offered throughout the year at various locations within the Diocese of Lansing. You can view the upcoming training schedule and pre-register for a training session at www.virtus.org. The local Protecting God’s Children training facilitators are flexible. If you do not see an upcoming training that will work with your schedule, or if you have any questions at all, please contact the school office.
Volunteers are instrumental in making St. Thomas Aquinas Parish School the excellent program that it is. Thank you in advance for sharing your time and talent with the school community and for your commitment to protecting all of God’s children.