The Diocese of Savannah is committed to providing safe environments and fostering continuous improvement in every organization that sponsors activities and/or provides services to children and youth.

Through a series of workshops, educational materials, media articles and background checks, the Diocese is:

• Increasing awareness of potentially harmful situations through the VIRTUS Protecting God's Children adult training workshops.
• Implementing a Diocesan Code of Conduct for Those Working with Minors which outlines acceptable and unacceptable behaviors for all clergy, employees and volunteers.
• Evaluating background checks for relevance to the employee’s or volunteer’s position.
• Providing continuing education through the VIRTUS Web site.
• Ensuring all volunteers and paid employees who work with youth in any capacity must meet Safe Environment Requirements.

Listed below are the minimum requirements that must be met by any adult (age 18 or over) who works and/or volunteers in a Diocese of Savannah Church, School or Social Service Agency:

• Attendance at the VIRTUS “Protecting God’s Children for Adults (PGCA)” Training.
• Registration of the above training on the website www.virtusonline.org. Registration is preferred prior to the class but can be completed after the class
• A National Criminal Background check, a check of the Sex Offender’s Registry, and (preferred) a verification of the Social Security Number at least once every five years.
• Read the Diocesan “Code of Conduct” and agree to its terms by signing the back page and turning it in to your church or school.
• Completing the “Safe Environment Refresher Training” on the VIRTUS website if it has been five years or more since attending the PGCA class.