Virtus is a program that educates and trains adults in recognition and awareness of sexual abuse of children, and proper procedures to implement to prevent occurrences.

The Virtus program is administered by The Office for Safe Environment, located at the Immaculate Conception Campus at 310 Prospect Park West under the direction of Maryellen Quinn.

Virtus training and certification is required of all diocesan employees and volunteers who are in contact with children. This includes all referees and other sports officials, PAR’s, AD’s, coaches, and other CYO volunteers.

Virtus training is offered regularly at Douglaston and in Brooklyn at 310 Prospect Park West. Parishes and organizations within the diocese also often sponsor sessions that are available to all. These sessions are listed on the Virtus website, www.virtus.org. You may wish to arrange your own Virtus session for your coaches and volunteers.

All coaches should be certified before beginning with the children but MUST be certified within 30 days of their first scheduled contest.

For additional information on the Virtus program including packets for sponsoring a Virtus session, please contact the CYO office at 718-281-9548 or the Office of Safe Environment at 718-281-9670.