Safe Environment

Volunteer Requirements

Minors (under 18) who want to serve as volunteers must complete the Application Form for Minors Serving as Volunteers.

VIRTUS PROTECTING GOD'S CHILDREN™

To foster a safe environment for children and vulnerable adults, the Diocese of Joliet requires that church personnel (clergy, seminarians, diaconal candidates, religious, employees, and volunteers who work with minors and/or vulnerable adults) comply with the safe environment compliance requirements of the Diocese.  

Prior to beginning service, all church personnel are required to complete the safe environment training program identified by the Diocese, currently the VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children for Adults program (or PGC). In addition to clergy, seminarians, diaconal candidates, religious, and employees, this requirement applies to all volunteers who minister with minors and/or vulnerable adults on a regular, recurring basis and those who may have an opportunity to be alone with children and/or vulnerable adults during parish, school or religious education sponsored events. The program is also available to parents and guardians.

PGC is currently offered as an online training, which is accessed through a user’s VIRTUS account.

All church personnel are required to have a VIRTUS account, which assists a user with completing and keeping up to date with safe environment compliance requirements.

To register for a VIRTUS account, please visit: VIRTUS® Online (virtusonline.org)

Compliance requirements are listed at https://www.diojoliet.org/web/child-protection/virtus-protecting-gods-children

For assistance with the registration process, please see the VIRTUS online registration instructions for the Diocese of Joliet. Additional information is available from Norma Jean Williamson, Parish Safe Environment Coordinator.