OPCYP/VIRTUS - Child Protection

The Arlington Diocese Office of Child Protection and Safety requires that all volunteers, 18 years of age or over, who are involved in activities with children must complete the “Protecting God’s Children” program which includes a background check, additional paperwork, and a VIRTUS training session. The Office for the Protection of Children/Young People (“OPCYP”) designation–a.k.a. OPCYP compliant–includes a background check and VIRTUS training.

If you plan to volunteer at our school or church in any capacity that involves direct contact with the children, you must be fully compliant with the requirements of the Child Protection Program that includes submitting the required electronic forms for background checks followed by attending a 4-hour VIRTUS training session. The Diocese requires that all background checks, which can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months to conduct, must be cleared before one may volunteer with children.

Please plan ahead as you will not be permitted to volunteer at the school if you have not completed all required elements and received a letter from the Parish-School Liaison indicating you are fully compliant.

When the background checks are cleared and Virtus training completed, volunteers will receive a letter from the Parish-School Liaison indicating that they are in full compliance with the Diocesan program requirements.

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward."(Psalm 127:3)