Safe Environment Program

Our students’ safety is our highest priority. All visitors must check in at the front desk using the Raptor system. 

 A valid photo ID is required each time.

As Christian adults, we have a moral and legal responsibility and are entrusted by God with the spiritual, emotional and physical well-being of minors and vulnerable adults.

As they participate in activities within or sponsored by our diocese, it is our commitment to provide an environment which is safe and nurturing. Therefore, the mission of the Safe Environment Program is:

• To provide required education for all employees (clergy, religious and laity), those volunteers and others regularly involved with minors, and parents, as to the issue of abuse of children including the detection, prevention and reporting of child abuse.
• To provide required training programs for children and young people in our Catholic schools and religious education programs. This includes age appropriate materials pertaining to personal safety and information about improper touching and relationships. Children are not expected to be fully knowledgeable about child abuse or of the laws governing care of children but they need to know when they should seek assistance from a trusted adult.
• To thoroughly screen and evaluate the background of all diocesan employees – clergy, religious and laity – and those volunteers who work with children and young people.
• To hold those who minister in the name of the Church of Venice – all diocesan employees (clergy, religious and laity) and those volunteers who work with children and young people – to Christ-centered and professional codes of conduct.

The Safe Environment Program consists of two core components: Background Checking and Fingerprinting, and Training and Awareness.  See below for training registration, the background fingerprinting process, and other critical information.  The Diocese engages Virtus for data management and video training programs for Protecting God’s Children through education and prevention training for adults.

Safe Environment Program for Volunteers 

Steps to Complete the Volunteer Process

Fingerprints

First Advantage provides a web-based application & registration system for employees, contractor/vendors, clergy, religious, seminarians, and volunteers to complete fingerprint-based criminal history background screenings in accordance with the Diocese of Venice Policy and Procedural Guidelines relating to the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults. Use the  link below to login to Virtus Online, which will guide you through the screening process.

Fingerprints are submitted electronically to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Results are sent to the Diocesan Background Screening Coordinator within 24 to 48 hours after submission. The coordinator will communicate to the entity to which you are connected.

Safe Environment Training 

After Background screening clearance, all employees and those volunteers working with children and vulnerable adults are required to complete an online training module to obtain Safe Environment Training Certification PRIOR to beginning work or as an active volunteer.  You will receive an email with a link to the Virtus Online system asking you to sign in to complete the training module.

When completed, you will receive a certificate of completion and the system will reflect your compliance with the required training.

Fingerprint and Safe Environment Training Instructions

Please go to - DioceseofVenice.org

Scroll down to Safe Environment. On the Diocesan Safe Environment Website, click "New to the Diocese?"

Follow the prompts for background screening and safe environment training certification.  You will be guided through the process by creating an account in Virtus Online.

Diocesan Standards of Ethical Conduct 

Please click here for the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Diocese of Venice. 

Reporting Abuse 

Please click here for instructions for reporting abuse within the Diocese of Venice. 

For more information please contact

Ms. Suzanne Sim at (239) 274-6747 or suzanne.sim@bvhs.org.