Virtus training reaches thousands

To educate employees and volunteers on how to prevent child abuse and recognize it if it occurs, the Albany Diocese is presenting Virtus training workshops throughout its 14 counties.

Sister Marilyn K. Murray, RSM, director of the diocesan Office of Human Resources, estimates that approximately 2,500 people have already received the training, with thousands more to take part in future sessions (see dates of future presentations).

Last year, the U.S. bishops mandated that each diocese implement such training programs for their employees and volunteers as part of a national effort to curb future sexual abuse of children.

Awareness

Virtus was chosen by the Diocese because of three main objectives, Sister Marilyn said.

"Most importantly, it raises awareness of the problem of sexual abuse," she explained. "It also helps people identify some of the signs of sexual abuse and then gives them a forum in which they can discuss what should be done if sexual abuse of a child is suspected. It's a very effective and informative program.

"Everyone who works or volunteers in our parishes or at a diocesan event that includes children, [such as faith formation classes or field trips] is required to take this course."

Training

The Virtus program is presented by 30 facilitators during three-hour programs. Participants view two videotapes that address child sexual abuse. The program then focuses on ways to prevent abuse from happening or being repeated.

Time is also allotted for examining policies and procedures of the Diocese regarding how to proceed when child sexual abuse is suspected.

Sue Van Alstine, one of the program's facilitators said that so far, "the participants are giving it a 90-percent positive evaluation."

More to come

Sister Murray said that 34 training sessions have already been held. The diocesan Office for Human Resources will continue to offer sessions through the fall "as long as necessary until everyone has been trained."

"Sexual abuse of children is a societal problem and needs to be addressed on all levels," she pointed out. "Virtus is designed to help adults become protectors of children and to help our communities become safer places. It is a good tool to heighten awareness of the problem of sexual abuse."

(For information on upcoming sessions, visit the diocesan website, www.rcda.org.)

Training dates listed

Here are upcoming Virtus dates (go to www.rcda.org to keep updated):

JUNE 20: St. John the Evangelist, Schenectady, 1-3:30 p.m.
JUNE 23: St. Matthew's, Voorheesville, and St. Thomas, Delmar, both 6:30-9:30 p.m.
JUNE 24: St. Michael's, Troy, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
JUNE 25: Pastoral Center, Albany, 1 p.m.
JUNE 30: St. Mary's, Clinton Hts., 6:30 p.m.
AUGUST 26: St. Madeleine Sophie, Guilderland, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
SEPT. 23: St. Casimir's, Amsterdam, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
OCT. 15: St. Madeleine Sophie, Guilderland, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

(6/19/03) [[In-content Ad]]