Registration 2022-23

Safe Environment

The mission of The Office of Child and Youth Protection is to protect the children who are entrusted into the care of the Diocese of Camden and to ensure that the Diocese is doing everything possible to be in safe environment compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, a document disseminated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

For more information:  Visit the Diocese of Camden Office of Child & Youth Protection

Guidelines for Internet & Electronic Communications | Acceptable Use Policy for Technology Available at School

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Standards for Protection

The Standards for the Protection of Children and Young People of the Diocese of Camden date back over ten years, and over that time experience has been gained in implementing them effectively. - Bishop Sullivan's Letter June 2013

A. Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People
B. Essential Norms for Diocesan Policies
C. Policy in Response to Complaints of Sexual Abuse
 D. Commentary on the Memorandum of Understanding
More on Standards

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Victim Assistance Coordinator

On October 7, 2002 the Diocese of Camden named Barbara Ann Gondek its Victim Assistance Coordinator to provide a comprehensive program of outreach to victims of sexual abuse by clergy and other church personnel of the diocese. In accord with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People adopted by the U.S. bishops, Ms. Gondek coordinates the diocese’s outreach to abuse victims/survivors. This includes the provision of counseling, spiritual assistance, and other support services. | read more

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Child & Youth Protection Programs

VIRTUS - 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.

NetSmartz
is a program of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. It is an educational program for parents, children (elementary, tweens and teens), teachers and law enforcement professionals. It is an informative and interactive program with many resources. NetSmatrz Website

Child Lures Prevention
In the parishes the safe environment program for children is called Child Lures Prevention: Think First and Stay Safe. The program is based on the theory that predators use lures to distract and catch children. The program teaches our children the various lures predators use. This helps to keep our children safe. Parish catechetical leaders and catechists, click here for additional information.

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VIRTUS OnLine

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.

Learn More - VIRTUS

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Instructions on how to register for an upcoming VIRTUS® 
“Protecting God’s Children” session:

 If you have never been fingerprinted for the Diocese of Camden and you have never attended a CAP session, you are considered a “first time user.” Click here for “first time” registration instructions

​ If you have been fingerprinted for the Diocese of Camden and/or you have attended a CAP session, you are considered to have an existing account. Click here for retraining instructions

If you are unsure, contact your VIRTUS® parish or school local administrator. This individual is also the safe environment coordinator.

Upcoming Sessions -Select Camden(Diocese)