Parish Volunteer Clearances
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Protecting God's Children
Saint Paul of the Cross Parish is committed to providing a safe environment for all. We do that by complying with the Safe Environment Policy developed by the Diocese of Pittsburgh to make Catholic parishes and schools as safe as possible from the threat of abuse. We realize it takes time and attention on your part to complete the process; please realize the goal is solely to protect your children and the children of our fellow parishioners.
The Diocesan Volunteer Clearance ProcessAll volunteers (18 and older) are asked to complete several steps, required by the Diocese of Pittsburgh, before beginning to serve in their ministries:- Register with Virtus ®Online (the Diocesan Safe Environment Database)
- Read and sign several documents as part of the Virtus ®Online Registration Process
- Complete a FBI Clearance or Waiver (see details in the "Sending Documents To The Parish Office" tab below)
- Participate in online training (see details in the "Completing Online Training" tab below)
- Complete a PA Child Abuse History Clearance (see details in the "Sending Documents To The Parish Office" tab below)
- Submit a State Police Criminal Record Check
Detailed directions for both new and returning volunteers are listed in the tabs below. If you need assistance, please contact our Safe Environment Coordinator, Lisa Mykeloff, at [email protected] or 412-531-5964. - Register with Virtus ®Online (the Diocesan Safe Environment Database)
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- Registering With Virtus ®Online
- Sending Documents To The Parish Office
- Completing Online Training
- Maintaining Your Volunteer Status
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How to Register as a New Volunteer with Virtus ®Online:
- Go to diopitt.org/compliance.
- Select the “Parish Volunteer" button.
- A series of five steps will appear. Go to Step 1, titled “Virtus® Online Safe Environment Database,” and click the link for “New Users Only.” For detailed step-by-step instructions on creating your account, HERE.
Please note: During the background check, be sure to answer whether you have lived in Pennsylvania for the last 10 consecutive years. This answer determines if you qualify for the FBI Waiver instead of needing FBI fingerprinting.
For questions, please contact Lisa Mykeloff at [email protected] or 412-531-5964.
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Documents You Must Send to the Parish Office
As part of the clearance process, signed copies of the following documents must be submitted to our Safe Environment Coordinator, Lisa Mykeloff:- PA Child Abuse History Clearance: This can be completed online within your Virtus® Online account, or via a paper copy available at the parish office (which can be mailed upon request).
- FBI Disclosure Statement (FBI Waiver) OR FBI Fingerprint Clearance:
- FBI Waiver: The FBI Waiver may only be signed if you have lived in Pennsylvania consecutively for the last 10 years. For an online copy of the waiver, click HERE. Paper copies are also available at the parish office (which can be mailed upon request).
- FBI Fingerprinting: Fingerprinting is required if you have not lived in PA for at least the past 10 consecutive years or are a non-PA resident. To start the fingerprinting process, please refer to Step 3, titled "FBI Clearance or Waiver" on the Diocese's Parish Volunteer Clearance page.
Please sign your completed documents and drop them off or mail them to:Saint Paul of the Cross ParishAttn: Lisa Mykeloff400 Hoodridge DrivePittsburgh, PA 15234
For questions or to request paper copies, please contact Lisa Mykeloff at [email protected] or 412-531-5964.
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Diocesan Volunteer Online Training
There are two types of online training required in the Diocesan Volunteer Clearance Process: Virtus Protecting God's Children Training and Mandated Reporter Training.
Virtus Protecting God's Children Training
The Diocese provides online video training called Virtus Protecting God's Children Training. This workshop is designed to help all adults who volunteer or work for the Catholic Church understand appropriate interactions with children and vulnerable adults, as well as identify signs of potential abuse or neglect. For new volunteers, this training will automatically be assigned to you within 24–48 hours of creating your account (you will receive an email from [email protected]).
Mandated Reporter Training
Some volunteers are also expected to complete the Mandated Reporter training. If your volunteer position is listed in the following list HERE, please complete the Mandated Reporting Training online at www.reportabusepa.pitt.edu.
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Information for Returning VolunteersThe Diocese reserves the right to add online courses to its list of volunteer requirements. Additionally, PA State background checks, Child Abuse History Clearances, and the FBI Disclosure Statement must be renewed every 5 years.
Many returning volunteers already have an account at www.virtusonline.org/virtus. This site tracks all of your clearances, certificates, and completed training. To view and update your information, log in with your User ID and password.
PLEASE DO NOT CREATE A NEW USER ACCOUNT. If you do not know your User ID or password, please contact the Office for the Protection of Children, Youth and Vulnerable Adults at 412-456-3093.