Safe Environment Program The Protecting God's Children™ Program for adults is mandatory training for all paid employees of the Diocese of Reno and all volunteers, 18 years of age and older who have any contact with children. This program trains adults on how to protect all children. The training makes participants aware of the signs of child sexual abuse, the methods and means by which offenders commit abuse and five easy steps one can take to prevent child sexual abuse. Two videos are the centerpiece of the training. Training includes onsite instruction from a certified trainer, 24 online training bulletins and an annual re-certification training course via the VIRTUS Online™ system. The training classes are offered in both Spanish and English. "PERSONAL SAFETY" is the Diocesan program to teach children "safe touching" and "boundaries" in order to protect themselves against sexual abuse. All students in Catholic schools and Religious Education classes are offered these sessions. Parents have the right to opt the children out of these sessions if they desire. These two programs are offered in response to the mandate by the USCCB in the "Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People."
The Diocese of Reno’s Policy on Sexual Misconduct Victim's Advocate and Child Protective Services Information Continuing education may be accessed through www.virtus.org
