Safe Environments

Safe Environments

In the Archdiocese of Detroit, safe environment programs are in place to protect all of us. These programs offer valuable knowledge, assistance, and support in preventing harm to young people and vulnerable adults. All parents, children, and those who work and/or volunteer in the Archdiocese of Detroit are required to complete an age appropriate safe environments program. At Christ the Redeemer, we ask all our employees and volunteers to join our commitment to protecting the vulnerable. 

Requirements for Employees & Volunteers


Christ the Redeemer Safe Environments Program Requirements for Employees & Volunteers

All employees or volunteers must complete the following Safe Environment program requirements before they begin their assigned duties:

Sign up for a Virtus Account or obtain access to your Virtus account if you already have one.Virtus is a database that tracks compliance with the AOD safe environment program requirements. Scroll down for instructions to help you sign up or recover your password.

  • Read and electronically sign the AOD Code of Conduct. You will be prompted to sign the Code of Conduct within your Virtus account.
  • Fill out and electronically sign a background check authorization form. You will be prompted to give the required information for a background check authorization and then asked to digitally sign the form within Virtus. The background check authorization form agrees to periodic criminal background checks – every year for employees, every two years for volunteers. Your information will be securely stored in Virtus.
  • Register for and complete the Protecting God’s Children/Vulnerable Adults training module. Training can be completed online or in person. Updated training must be completed every three years. You will be prompted to register for a training module within your Virtus account.
Click here to sign up for Virtus





TEEN VOLUNTEERS

Teen-aged volunteers (under age 18)  must create an account in virtus.org and complete the assigned certification.

REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR MINORS

Registration Instructions



NEW Virtus Users: Virtus Account

  • Go to the Virtus website Click here for the Virtus website
  • Select the First-Time Registrant link
  • Begin the registration process
  • From the drop down list of organizations, select Detroit, MI (Archdiocese)
  • Create a user name and password
  • Please note: both user name and password are case sensitive (meaning you will want to write down whether you capitalize the letters or not).
  • Enter your personal information, including information needed for background check authorization form
  • Such as date of birth, gender, race/ethnicity
  • Select the parish of school where you work or volunteer
  • Choose your role(s) and enter your title or what you do for the parish
  • Answer whether you are associated with any other locations
  • Answer questions about your contact with minors and/or vulnerable adults, and whether you manage people
  • Read and digitally sign the AOD code of conduct
  • Answer State of Michigan residency questions and sign
  • Read and sign info about background check authorization form
  • Review and electronically sign background authorization form
  • Answer whether you have already attended a Protecting God's Children session
  • Select Training Session
  • Select the training session you would like to attend and click continue to complete registration process

Already Have A Virtus Account, but Don't Know How to Log in?

  • Go to the Virtus website Click here for the Virtus website
  • Click the "Need Login Information" link
  • Follow the steps to reset your password or recover your username
  • Still having trouble? Email secretary@ctredeemer.org for help obtaining access to your account



REPORT ABUSE

The Archdiocese of Detroit reports every complaint it receives, regardless of its source or the date of the alleged activity, to civil authorities. No complaints are held back, pre-screened or disregarded. This is done in accordance with voluntary agreements signed in the spring of 2002 by the archdiocese and prosecutors from all six counties within its boundaries. As a result of the agreements, the archdiocese shared case files of priests accused of sexual misconduct in previous years and committed to turning over all complaints in the future.

Potential Indicators of Abuse of Children

Sudden changes in behavior or school performance; medical conditions go untreated; lacks adult supervision; overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn behavior; does not want to go home; dehydration or malnutrition.

Potential Indicators of Abuse of Adults

Sudden changes in physical behavioral or financial status of elderly or someone with a developmental disability; left in front of a TV all day; dehydration or malnutrition.

WHO should report • WHEN to report • HOW to report

Anyone who suspects abuse – of any kind – should immediately make a report with local law enforcement. If you suspect someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

Mandated reporters are an essential part of the child protection system because they have an enhanced capacity, through their expertise and direct contact with children, to identify suspected child abuse and neglect. The Michigan Child Protection Law, 1975 PA 238, MCL 722.621 et. seq., requires the reporting of child abuse and neglect by certain persons (called mandated reporters) and permits the reporting of child abuse and neglect by all persons. The Child Protection Law includes the legal requirements for reporting, investigating and responding to child abuse and neglect. Mandated reporters in Michigan must make an immediate verbal report to the CPS Centralized Intake for Abuse & Neglect at (855) 444-3911, followed by a written report within 72 hours. Reports also can be made online at www.michigan.gov/en/mdhhs/adult-child-serv/abuse-neglect/childrens/mandated-reporters/Mandated-Reporters-List.


The Archdiocese of Detroit's abuse reporting Intake Coordinator, Tony Latarski, can be reached at (313) 237-6060, toll-free at (866) 343-8055, or via email to reportabuse@aod.org. Mr. Latarski has an extensive background in law enforcement and works to receive and respond to all complaints. All calls and messages regarding complaints of sexual abuse will be returned in a timely manner. Callers will be asked to provide their name and telephone number.


An individual may be more comfortable having first contact with the Victim Assistance Coordinator (Ms. Andrea Foley, VAC@aod.org, (313) 237-6062), but the report must nevertheless be made through the Intake Coordinator.

Individuals who suspect clergy sexual abuse of children or vulnerable adults are encouraged to contact the Michigan Attorney General’s Office by calling its toll-free reporting hotline at (844) 324-3374 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or by emailing aginvestigations@michigan.gov. Individuals also may contact their local police department.


Our goal is to empower children, youth, and adults to avoid and report unsafe or harmful situations. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.