Safe Environment
What is our Mission?
The Safe Environment Program assists the Archbishop in coordinating child abuse prevention efforts throughout the archdiocese. Supports parishes, schools and agencies of the Archdiocese of Seattle with all Safe Environment efforts, including background checks, Safe Environment training and development and implementation of related policies.
What is the Safe Environment Program?
The Archdiocese of Seattle has a long commitment to the protection of children, youth and vulnerable adults. For years, we've taken steps to ensure the safety of those who serve and are served in our parishes, schools and agencies. Our program was established in the late 1980's, well ahead of the 2002 USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Youth, to ensure our safety commitments, while also offering assistance to those who are suffering in the aftermath of abuse.
Seattle Archdiocese Contact Information:
(206) 274-3188
Toll Free Fax: (206) 382-4267
Toll Free Phone: (800) 261-4749
Email: sep@seattlearch.org
Website: www.virtusonline.org
Mailing Address:
710 9th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104-2017
Safe Environment Program Coordinator : Cathy Wiswell - 206-382-4285
Sexual Abuse/Misconduct Reporting :
Helpline: 800-446-7762
Adult Training Requirements
Church Personnel is defined as:
- All clergy, including priests, deacons, deacon candidates, seminarians, etc.,
- Religious men and women,
- All employees, and
- Any volunteers who have contact with minors and vulnerable adults in their volunteer capacity.
Employee Requirements
- Background Checks – All employees are required to successfully undergo a background check every three years. If you have not fulfilled this requirement, you must consult your local Safe Environment Coordinator before submitting one through your Virtus profile.
- Policies – All church personnel are required to read and sign the Policy for the Prevention and Response to Sexual Abuse, Code of Professional Conduct, and Reporting Suspected Abuse of Minors and Vulnerable Adults. If you have not signed these, you may do so through your Virtus profile.
- Safe Environment Education – All new employees are required to complete the Protecting God’s Children course within 30 days of beginning service. All current employees are required to take updated online training courses every three years.
Volunteer Requirements
- Background Checks – Volunteers who have contact with minors and vulnerable adults in their volunteer capacity are required to complete a background check every three years. Screening is also required from any volunteer with access to cash, checks or other negotiables; any volunteer driving in the course of their service; and any volunteer who is not related to a student in a Catholic school. Background checks must be authorized by each individual requesting a criminal background check search. Applications are initiated through your Virtus profile: you will be re-directed to the PeopleFacts Trak-1 website to give authorization and complete your application. To avoid errors in this process, please read and complete each step and do not leave the Trak-1 page until your application is submitted. Once submission is complete, you will be directed back to your Virtus profile to complete any other needed Safe Environment requirements.
- Policies – Volunteers who have contact with minors or vulnerable adults in their volunteer capacity are required to read and sign the Policy for the Prevention of and Response to Sexual Abuse, Code of Professional Conduct, and Reporting Suspected Abuse of Minors and Vulnerable Adults. If you have not signed these, you may do so through your Virtus profile.
- Safe Environment Training – Volunteers who have contact with minors and vulnerable adults in their volunteer capacity are required to complete the Protecting God’s Children course within 90 days of beginning service. Current volunteers are required to take updated online training courses every three years.