As Christian adults, we have a moral and legal responsibility and are entrusted by God with the spiritual, emotional and physical well-being of minors and vulnerable adults.

As they participate in activities within or sponsored by our diocese, it is our commitment to provide an environment which is safe and nurturing. Therefore, the mission of the Safe Environment Program is:

To provide required education for all employees (clergy, religious and laity), those volunteers and others regularly involved with minors, and parents, as to the issue of abuse of children including the detection, prevention and reporting of child abuse.

To provide required training programs for children and young people in our Catholic schools and religious education programs. This includes age appropriate materials pertaining to personal safety and information about improper touching and relationships. Children are not expected to be fully knowledgeable about child abuse or of the laws governing care of children but they need to know when they should seek assistance from a trusted adult.

To thoroughly screen and evaluate the background of all diocesan employees – clergy, religious and laity – and those volunteers who work with children and young people.

To hold those who minister in the name of the Church of Venice – all diocesan employees (clergy, religious and laity) and those volunteers who work with children and young people – to Christ-centered and professional codes of conduct.

Please visit the Diocese of Venice in Florida website for more information on the Safe Environment program:

DOV SAFE ENVIRONMENT  CREATE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT

Any questions regarding safe environment/volunteering should be referred to Mrs. Beth Tenbarge at btenbarge@seseton.org.

Instructions to register for Fingerprints and Safe Environment Training

Go to: https://dioceseofvenice.org Scroll down to bottom of page and click where it says Safe Environment

Proceed to scroll down and log into: Virtus Online

To begin the process, first time users will need to click on First time registrant to make a new ID and password, current users can enter their ID and password

Please select location: Venice (Diocese)

Follow the instructions for picking a date for Safe Environment Training. You will need to click the box on the left to choose which training date and time you will attend.

To register for fingerprints:
Fill out the personal information and provide your payment information. You will need to print out the confirmation code to take to the fingerprint appointment. You will also need your Driver License for this appointment.