Virtus Training

Safe Environment Program

Statement of Purpose

Diocese of Trenton Office of Child and Youth Protection

The Child and Youth Protection unit is aimed at creating safe environments for the children and youth in our parishes and Catholic schools. Our mission is to assist parishes and schools in understanding and implementing the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. This involves criminal background screenings and training certification programs that advance the safety of our children.

Attention Volunteers

Are you compliant?

Attention Volunteers

Are you compliant?


As mandated by the Diocese of Trenton Office of Child and Youth Protection, the following areas of compliance must be adhered to for all volunteers 18 years and older who wish to work in the parish while children are present. Or in a ministry working with the vulnerable.

1.) Application – complete volunteer application

2.) VIRTUS Training – To sign up for a Virtus training session, please visit www.virtusonline.org. Once logged into your account, you will be able to locate a training session that would be convenient for you. After completing the training, a copy of your Virtus certificate must be submitted to the parish office. Virtus attendance is only valid for four years; you must attend a recertification session prior to December 31st of the fourth year if you wish to continue volunteering in ministry.

3.) Criminal History Background Check - a background check will be conducted through3.) Criminal History Background Check - a background check will be conducted through fingerprint analysis by the NJ State Police, through the private service of IdentoGo.

A.) All new volunteers and employees are subject to a fingerprint scan for their initial screening. Once your clearance certificate is received, volunteers will be reimbursed for the cost of the background check.

B.) On the 4th year of ministry, you will be required to have your background check reevaluated

4.) Diocese of Trenton Volunteer Code of Conduct - a document drafted by the Diocese of Trenton outlines the behavioral expectations for anyone volunteering at a diocesan facility.

Protecting our children and families is a main priority for the administration and staff of our parish and all parishes and schools located within the Diocese of Trenton. Therefore, we require that these three areas of compliance be satisfied before you begin your ministry at our parish. Protecting our children and families is a main priority for the administration and staff of our parish and all parishes and schools located within the Diocese of Trenton. Therefore, we require that these three areas of compliance be satisfied before you begin your ministry at our parish. 

If you have questions or need assistance with the VIRTUS program, please contact Laura Randazzo at . 732-938-5375.