Protecting God's ChildrenWhat is Protecting God's Children (PGC)?
God’s Children™ is a three-hour introductory workshop designed to raise awareness about the reality of child sexual abuse. Through videos and facilitated group discussion format, the session helps participants become more familiar with the issues and myths surrounding child sexual abuse; signs of sexual abuse in children; behavioral patterns of perpetrators; steps the Church is taking to prevent future abuse; and a plan of action for adults to remain watchful for would be perpetrators. What PGC isn't! PGC is not a punishment or an accusation against volunteers. On the contrary it illustrates how, through increased awareness and vigilance, all adults can become part of the solution to stopping child sexual abuse. PGC is not intended to be catechetical in nature and assumes participants have other opportunities for catechesis on the Church’s teaching on chastity and human sexuality. Who is required to take it? The following adults are required to attend Protecting God’s Children: -All parish, school and diocesan employees, regardless of their level of contact with children -All clergy and applicants to clerical formation who serve in the diocese -Every volunteer in a school, program or ministry for children and youth, regardless of their level of contact with children -Volunteers for other parish programs or ministries who have been delegated care, custody or control of children How do I find where the sessions are being held? The current schedule is always posted on the VIRTUS website. Go to: www.virtus.org. Click on the "Green First Time Registrant" button just beneath the login. Choose “View a List of Sessions.” Registration is also done from this site, and pre-registration is required. Establishing a Safe Environment A fundamental goal of the Catholic Church is to prevent future occurrences of sexual abuse of children by anyone associated with the Church. In 2003, the Diocese of Columbus published its decree which established policies dealing with allegations of sexual abuse of minors. One of those policies was the creation of a Safe Environment Program designed to protect children while they are in the care, custody or control of any person working on behalf of the Church. Protecting God’s Children™ training is just one step of the overall Safe Environment Program. Participants must first have a fingerprint background check before they begin to work or volunteer and must sign a code of conduct. |
If you would like more information about Protecting God's Children then please contact Kathy Hamilton [email protected]
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