The Diocese of Richmond requires that all volunteers who work with children under the age of 18 be screened and trained according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop's Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The Diocese of Richmond uses the following programs:

• Screening One background check form (through Virtus)

  • Renewed every five years

• VIRTUS Safe Environment Training program

  • A one-time, three-hour training program.

  • Includes periodic online training bulletins for ongoing education.

How to Receive VIRTUS Training

1. Click on the dropdown box and select Richmond, VA (Diocese)
2. Scroll down to see if there is one that works better for your schedule. 
3. Click the Start Registration button and follow the prompts to register.

Thank you for your service and dedication to the safety and protection of the Youth of our Church.

The Catholic Diocese of Richmond is committed to ensuring that diocesan institutions and ministries provide a safe and nurturing environment for children, young people and vulnerable individuals. The mission of the Child Protection/Safe Environment Program is to create a safe environment consistently incorporating the standards as outlined in the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

Our Commitments to addressing allegations of sexual abuse and protecting God’s children in the
Diocese of Richmond:

• Every allegation of sexual abuse of a minor is reported to civil authorities and all adult survivors of sexual abuse or harassment are encouraged to file a report with civil authorities.
• To ensure that no priest, deacon, religious, lay employee or volunteer in ministry has been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult.
• To ensure that no priest, deacon, religious, lay employee or volunteer in ministry has been credibly accused of sexual harassment of another person.
• Since 2002, the Diocesan Review Board, consisting mostly of volunteer lay professionals, reviews all allegations of sexual abuse by a member of the clergy in conjunction with civil authorities.
• All priests, deacons, religious, lay employees, and volunteers working with children or vulnerable adults are background screened every five years.
• All priests, deacons, religious, lay employees, and volunteers working with children or vulnerable adults are trained to identify inappropriate behavior, grooming techniques used by abusers, and how to report suspicious behavior or abuse.
• All priests, deacons, religious, lay employees, and volunteers working with children or vulnerable adults are required to read monthly bulletins to maintain an awareness of child sexual abuse.