What are the VIRTUS® programs?
VIRTUS is the brand name that identifies best practices programs designed to help prevent wrongdoing and promote "rightdoing" within religious organizations. The VIRTUS programs empower organizations and people to better control risk and improve the lives of all those who interact with the Church.

Who created the VIRTUS programs?
The National Catholic Risk Retention Group, Inc. (National Catholic) created the programs. Monsignor Kevin McCoy, past board chairman of National Catholic, asked whether child sexual abuse could be prevented and, if so, how? In March of 1998, National Catholic invited prominent national experts—experts in many disciplines—to discuss these questions at a forum in Washington, D.C. From those discussions, the initiative for the VIRTUS programs was created. The National Catholic Board of Directors selected an Ad Hoc Committee to oversee development of the programs. The Ad Hoc Committee was assisted by a steering committee of nationally known experts and program and service providers.

Why did National Catholic select VIRTUS as the brand name for the programs?
The word virtus derives from Latin, and means valor, moral strength, excellence, and worth. In ancient times, virtus denoted a way of life and manner of behavior that always aspired to the highest, most positive attributes of people and aspects of human interaction.

What is the Protecting God’s Children® program?
The Protecting God’s Children program is the VIRTUS program for protecting children from child sexual abuse. The seminar you are currently attending is the Protecting God’s Children awareness session—the initial program component for adults in the faith community. Those in the faith community who interact with minors will have access to additional training and risk prevention tools.

How does the Protecting God’s Children program prevent child sexual abuse?
The Protecting God’s Children program consists of many components. The education component helps prevent child sexual abuse by first making every adult employee and volunteer aware of the issues surrounding child sexual abuse. This includes awareness of the many ways that sexual abuse harms its victims, their families, the parish, and the community. The awareness session also helps adults learn to recognize the warning signs of abuse, and shows them the appropriate way to respond to suspicious behavior. Finally, the awareness session empowers each person with five steps to help prevent child sexual abuse. A trained facilitator leads these awareness sessions.

Register for an upcoming session, click here.

How to register online for an upcoming session, click here.

If you want to view upcoming sessions, click here.

The Diocese of Madison requires that all employees and any volunteer that works with children attend a Protecting God's Children for Adults session. Please check with your local Parish Safe Environment Coordinator for any additional requirements.