Frequently Asked Questions

Do all volunteers at HTS need to take the VIRTUS Training?

The Archdiocese of Washington Child Protection Policy states that volunteers who have “substantial contact with children” must complete the training. As required by the Archdiocese, HTS necessitates compliance for all school volunteers, including parent volunteers. The HTS policy is that all volunteers who are likely to have contact with children which is not incidental must complete the VIRTUS training and fingerprinting/criminal background check.

 

For which HTS activities must I complete the Policy requirements?

Please visit the General Information on ADW Policy page.

 

Does anyone track whether or not volunteers have actually taken and completed the VIRTUS training and fingerprinting/criminal background check?

Yes, per the Archdiocese Child Protection Policy, the school will maintain records of those who are in the process and have completed the VIRTUS training program and other requirements. Mary Cooter, the VIRTUS Coordinator, keeps records for HTS.

 

I do not plan to complete the VIRTUS training and fingerprinting/criminal background check. Does this mean I cannot attend school events?

Of course you are welcome at all school events. This program is geared for employees and volunteers who work directly with children. Please refer to the previous table for more details.

 

What exactly is the process to complete the training?

 There are four major parts to the training process

      • Completing an Archdiocese Volunteer Application
      • Attending the VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children training session
      • Reading the Archdiocese Child Protection Policy and signing the form confirming you have read the Policy
      • Submitting Criminal Background Authorization Form and have fingerprinting done through the Archdiocese of Washington.

Please see the Training Steps for Holy Trinity Volunteers page for detailed information on the process.

 

Is there a time period within which I must complete the VIRTUS training and fingerprinting/criminal background check?

VIRTUS training and fingerprinting/criminal background check can happen at any time; however, the process must be started before one can volunteer. Once a volunteer has submitted their application and registered they have 60 days to complete the training session and fingerprinting/criminal background check.

 

Do I have to take the training course annually?

No, the VIRTUS training course and the fingerprinting/criminal background check only need to be done once. An annual refresher may be required and can be done online through your personal account which you establish when you first register for the VIRTUS training.

 

I am new to the school.  Do I have a grace period?

 No, new parents who wish to volunteer should enroll in the VIRTUS program at the earliest possible date the same as any current parent who has not yet completed the training program.

 

Can I volunteer while I am in the process of completing my training?

Yes, but you must have submitted an application and started the process. You will then have 60 days to complete the training session and fingerprinting/criminal background check. The school will notify you if you are not within your 60 days.

 

How much time does it take to complete the training?

The training course itself is a mandatory three hours and you should schedule for this amount of time.  Be sure to sign in at the beginning of training and to get your certificate at the end so that your enrollment is recorded.  Take the certificate to Mary Cooter after the training.  To read the Archdiocese of Washington Child Protection Policy will take about one hour.  Completing the Application and Policy Statement will take about 15 minutes.  The fingerprinting will take about one hour, with travel time, to the Archdiocesean office.

 

I have heard the finger printing is frustrating.  Is this so?

The fingerprinting has proven to be a challenge.  Volunteers have found the best way to reserve a fingerprinting time is through the website at ADW Fingerprinting Services page.  The Archdiocesean office telephone number given for reservations is not always answered and many have found messages are not returned.  Volunteers have also said that they were frustrated to have to return to the Archdiocesean office to be re-fingerprinted due to an error in the first image taken.  Please be aware of this when your prints are taken.  Because the finger printing is only done at Archdiocesean offices which are not convenient to downtown, you will want to make sure you have everything with you when you do go for a finger printing appointment.  Be sure to take:

  • Criminal Background Authorization Form (you can get a copy from the HTS VIRTUS Coordinator, Mary Cooter, or you will receive it at the VIRTUS training session)
  • Check or money order made payable to CJIS (volunteer $33.25, Employee $37.25)
  • Valid photo ID

 

What if the cost of the criminal background/finger printing creates a hardship for my family?

Please contact Mary Cooter, the HTS VIRTUS Coordinator if you are unable to pay the criminal background check fee.

 

Why do volunteers have to undergo a criminal history background check?

The bottom line is child safety.  Since 1991, all employees and volunteers have had to complete a background questionnaire, which included a question on the applicant’s criminal history record.  We believe the vast majority those who volunteer or work with children would never harm a child.  Sadly, however, a small percentage does.

 

I already have a security clearance at my job.  Why am I not able to rely on it?

Security clearances are unique to a specific position, and your employer cannot share your personal information with the Archdiocese.

 

I am worried about confidentiality.  Where do the criminal background check results go?

 The results from criminal background checks will be sent to the diocesan office for Child Protection and Safety. Only those persons specifically designated by the bishop will have access to any background information. The school will not receive detailed information for any criminal checks. You will receive a detailed copy of your criminal background check for your own reference.

 

What would disqualify me from volunteer service?

The Archdiocese will disqualify an individual for service in any diocesan organization for any conviction of a crime which is recognized by the city, state or federal governments as a crime that disqualifies an individual from service in relation to children.  Other convictions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

 

How will I know what is on my background check?

Background checks for persons with no past histories contain no information except for that fact. If any background check should be returned with any other information, a copy will be forwarded to the applicant and a request for further information will be provided.

 

I would like to volunteer with children, but I am not documented to work in the United States.  What can I do?

Unfortunately, we cannot make any exceptions to the criminal background check requirement, so you would not be able to volunteer or work in a position that requires significant contact with children.