Protecting God's Children
In order to protect the safety of all children, the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has mandated compliance with the Protecting God's Children Program by all employees and volunteers who work with children in any way. Therefore, if you have any contact with children at Mary Queen of Peace Parish whether it be through the school or any organization, you must comply with this Program. Detailed information regarding the Program may be viewed on the Arcdiocesan website.
There are THREE requirements in order to be in FULL compliance with the USCCB Protecting God's Children Program.
1. WORKSHOP:
Attendance at a 2 1/2 hour Workshop is required. Workshops are presented throughout the Archdiocese several times each month at various Parishes and other locations. Register on the VIRTUS Online site for a specific location, date and time. Be on time. When you arrive for the workshop BE SURE to register that you are from St. Joan of Arc Parish. Otherwise you will not be credited for your attendance. To register, click on the link below.
2. BACKGROUND CHECK:
Submit a completed signed copy of the Worker Registration form to Heather O'Keefe at the SJA Parish office, either by mail,email or in person. Do not worry about the $13 registration fee, SJA will take care of that. Download a copy of the form here.
Note: If you have already had a background check through the Family Care Safety Registry -you will still need to fill out the worker registration and turn in, so she can access your background check on their system. The Protecting Gods Children Program requires a background check every 2 years but once you are in the Family Care Safety Registry system she can access your background check without further authorization from you.
3. CODE OF ETHICS: You must also print & sign a Code of Ethical Conduct & Acknowledgement For Volunteer Screening Purposes.
When you register through VIRTUS, you will read the Code of Ethics and agree to the statement online. It is required that you sign the last page of the Code of Ethics agreement and ensure that it is filed with St. Joan of Arc. Please download the Code of Ethics, print page 13 (the last page) and sign upon the line. Email, mail or drop a copy at the Rectory for Heather.
Until all THREE requirements are completed you will not be in Compliance with the Protecting God's Children Program and will be ineligible to volunteer.
NOTE: If you have any questions please call or email Heather O'Keefe at 314-832-2838 or sep@stjoanofarcstl.org 5800 Oleatha Ave. St. Louis, MO 63139
