PROTECTING GOD'S CHILDREN (VIRTUS)

“Protecting God’s Children” is a VIRTUS program promoted by the Archdiocese of Boston to train and educate parish adults to become more aware of the dangers of child abuse, the signs of abuse, the ways to prevent abuse, and the methods to properly report suspicions of abuse.

The program consists of the viewing of two videos, followed by discussions of each. Normally a “refreshment break” is included. The entire program usually lasts from two to two and one half hours.

“Protecting God’s Children” presentations are conducted by members of the parish who have gone through a two-day facilitators training program.

All adult parish and school employees, and all adult parish and school volunteers who interact with children, no matter how minimal, are required to attend a “Protecting God’s Children” session.

Usually sessions are conducted co-operatively in each of the area parishes in the Fall and the Spring. The locations, dates, and times of presentations in the Medford area will be published in the parish bulletin, the parish web site, and Archdiocesan web site, when known.

Should you have specific questions about the “Protecting God’s Children” program… or should you wish to consider becoming a trained facilitator… contact Joe Feltz at jhfeltz@comcast.net or at the parish office (781) 396-0423.  The trained facilitators at Saint Joseph Parish are Joe Feltz, Nancy Carney, and Mary Tassinari.

Links: Archdiocese of Boston Office of Child Advocacy: www.RCAB.org

Virtus:  www.virtusonline.org