Safe Environment

Training for Clergy, Employees, Volunteers and Children

Safe environment programs are in place to assist parents and children - and all those who work and volunteer in Archdiocesan parishes, schools, agencies, and Curia offices- in preventing harm to young people. Age-appropriate safe environment training programs are taught in the Archdiocese of Detroit.

Not Out Compliance, But Our Calling

Often when we hear about the efforts of the Church in regard to sexual abuse, we hear about the importance of compliance with the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. From a faith environment perspective, the importance is not in our compliance, but in our calling. As Catholics, we are called to respect the life and dignity of every human person from conception to natural death. The Charter guides us in action to our calling. Our calling furthers the Gospel message of Christ.

Requirements for Adult Volunteers & Employees
  • New Employees & Recurring Adult Volunteers
  • Protecting God's Children training (online or in person)
  • Accept the Code of Conduct
  • Successfully pass a criminal background check
  • Occasional new adult volunteers may complete Protecting God’s Children certification either through a live session or by completing the Protecting God’s Children Online Awareness Session 4.0 and Vulnerable Adults 2.0 combined self-paced training module.
  • Recertification of all Employees & Adult Volunteers
  • Any certificate dated 2022 or older must recertify by completing Protecting God's Children.
  • Protecting God's Children online recertification within three months of the third anniversary of their previous certification.
Requirements for Youth & Teen Volunteers
  • High school students who wish to volunteer must complete Virtus' online workshops: Healthy Relationships for Teens 2.0 Online Module Expansion with Safe Environment Components. This module is available online through Virtus and takes approximately 35 minutes to complete.
  • To access the module, teen volunteers need to register on the Virtus site. During registration, the system will recognize their status as a minor and will assign the appropriate module.
  • Successfully pass a criminal background check.