Diocese of Las Vegas Safe Environment Program
In November, 2002 the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, in Washington, D.C., developed the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Later the same year, the Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons was developed.
In order to ensure implementation of the Charter and to meet the promise of safety for all parish members, the VIRTUS program was designed. VIRTUS includes:
- Protecting God’s Children - a child sexual abuse prevention program.
- VIRTUS Online – a web program that provides best practice resources for a child abuse awareness/prevention.
- Victim Advocacy – a program that outlines the protocol for developing a pool of trained advocates to assist those harmed by abuse.
- Pastoral Case Management Program – which provides guidelines for wrap around advocacy on behalf of all individuals and parish members impacted by allegations of abuse.
- The Investigation Program – to provide protocols and procedures that ensure the highest quality of care and justice during any investigation progress.
The focus of these programs is to create and maintain a safe Church environment for children and youth, to provide comprehensive and gentle treatment for victims of child abuse regardless of age, and to ensure each Diocese’s commitment to eradicating abuse in the Church community.
If you would like to be involved: Contact the Safe Environment Coordinator in your parish or school.
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