Operational Vitality

Safe Environment & VIRTUS

All adults working with children must be trained using the Adult Program described below. In addition, if they are to have contact with minors, they must also have their background evaluated using the Live Scan electronic fingerprinting system. There are two different Live Scan forms:

► The Live Scan form for use by a SCHOOL is here.

►  The Live Scan form for use by a PARISH is here.

“Protecting God’s Children”

This training is for all employees and volunteers working with children and youth in the Archdiocese. The curriculum raises awareness regarding recognizing, reporting, and preventing child abuse. The Policies and Procedures and the Standards of Conduct regarding sexual misconduct in the Archdiocese of San Francisco are also part of the training. This online course is user-friendly and available in English and Spanish.  Click the VIRTUS button to access the training website.

Child and Youth Program

Safe Environment Programs are addressed in the USCCB document Promise to Protect; Pledge to Heal – USCCB (updated 2018), Article 12: “Dioceses/eparchies are to maintain ‘safe environment’ programs which the diocesan/eparchial bishop deems to be in accord with Catholic moral principles. They are to be conducted cooperatively with parents, civil authorities, educators, and community organizations to provide education and training for minors, parents, ministers, employees, volunteers, and others about ways to sustain and foster a safe environment for children and minors. Dioceses/eparchies are to make clear to clergy and all members of the community the standards of conduct for clergy and other persons with regard to their contact with minors.”

Background Evaluations

Background evaluations are addressed in the USCCB document Promise to Protect; Pledge to Heal – USCCB  (updated 2018), Article 13: “The Diocesan bishop is to evaluate the background of all incardinated priests and deacons. When a priest or deacon, not incardinated in the diocese, is to engage in ministry in the diocese, regardless of the length of time, the evaluation of his background may be satisfied through a written attestation of suitability for ministry supplied by his proper ordinary/major superior to the diocese. Dioceses are to evaluate the background of all their respective diocesan and parish/school or other paid personnel and volunteers whose duties include contact with minors.” 

The Archdiocese of San Francisco evaluates backgrounds through use of the Live Scan electronic fingerprinting system. Two reports will be requested; one from the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and one from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).