Safe Environment Program
- 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 : Caitlin Gallagher McKinzie – 206-382-4285
Mission: 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.
Sexual Abuse/Misconduct Reporting :
- Email: sep@seattlearch.org
- Helpline: 800-446-7762
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 90 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. If you feel you have not satisfied this requirement consult your local coordinator before completing one through your Virtus
- 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.