Child Protection &

Safe Environment

The Archdiocese of Washington requires all persons, 18 years old or older, who provide services or activities to children (volunteers and employees) to follow the Child Protection Policies and Procedures.

An application and fingerprinting is needed before you volunteer.
You must attend a virtual educational workshop within 60 days after start of service. 
Sign up now at www.virtus.org and reserve your space as you make your account..

Child Protection Policies, application forms and registration for The Protecting God’s Children workshop can be found at: www.adw.org and www.virtus.org.
Application packets are available at the school or Parish House.
 
All employees and volunteers need to be fingerprinted through MD or DC services that provide a Livescan process.
 To whom does this apply?
¨ New employees and volunteers working with children.
¨ Current volunteers who have had a background check but no previous fingerprinting through the Archdiocese.
If you had been fingerprinted through the Archdiocese in past years, there is no need for further action.
For more information or to check your status, please call Mary Kate Kassman at 301-365-1415 or email mk@olom.org.

The Archdiocese has had a written Child Protection Policy since 1986.
The policy covers reporting, prevention and healing. It mandates reporting to civil authorities; education for children and adults; and background checks for clergy, employees and volunteers who work with minors.
Also included is information on assistance for those harmed and what to do if there is an allegation. A Child Protection Advisory Board of predominantly lay experts advises on and monitors compliance with child protection efforts.

• Archdiocese of Washington Child Protection Policy (PDF)
• Reglamento de Protección de Menores (PDF)
• The Office of Child and Youth Protection Continued Initiatives in 2018

Reporting

• Reporting on Child Sexual Abuse
• Reporting Sexual Abuse – Darkness to Light End:Child Sexual Abuse sheet

Parent Guides

• Child Protection in the Archdiocese of Washington (PDF)
• Top Safety Tips for Parents (PDF)D
• Technology (PDF)
• Relationships (PDF)
• Kid’s Guide to Bullying (PDF)

 Accountability

• Child Protection Advisory Board and Annual Reports
• Case Review Board
• Q&A: When there is an allegation