Protection of Children & Youth / Protection of Vulnerable Adults

Click below for information about how the Archdiocese works to prevent abuse, and what resources are available for victim-survivors.

To report an allegation of abuse and/or neglect of minors, contact the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Hotline at 800.25.ABUSE and/or contact your local police department. You can also contact the Office of the Protection of Children and Youth (OPCY) at 312.534.5254.


VIRTUS: Protecting God's Children / Protecting Vulnerable Adults

Divine Mercy Parish is committed to the protection of our young people and vulnerable adults, and complies with all requirements set forth by the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office for the Protection of Children and Youth.

The Archdiocese has established background check and training protocols for each of the following groups with a parish:
  • Clergy
  • Parish Employees, including Children’s Ministry Staff
  • School Employees
  • Parish, School and Children’s Ministry Volunteers and Coaches
  • Anyone Who Ministers to and with Children and Youth
  • Anyone Who Ministers to and with Vulnerable Adults

Specific background checks and training requirements include the following:
  • Criminal Background Check (CBC)
  • Fingerprinting through Accurate Biometrics (FP)
  • Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking Form (CANTS)
  • VIRTUS Training – VIRTUS training identifies best practices and promotes behaviors that create a safe environment for all who interact with the Church.  VIRTUS training programs include Protecting God's Children for Adults, Vulnerable Adult Training and the Keeping the Promise Alive refresher course.
  • Mandated Reporter Training (MRT, developed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services), as well as recertification of Mandated Reporter status.
  • Compliance with the Archdiocesan Standards of Behavior (ASB)
  • Compliance with required ongoing training.

Specific requirements can be viewed here.  Divine Mercy and Sacred Heart School are also required to conduct a self-audit each year.
ARE YOU A NEW OR RETURNING PARISH OR SCHOOL VOLUNTEER?

Divine Mercy Parish and Sacred Heart School each have a Site Administrator to help our volunteers create a new account, reactivate an existing account or make sure VIRTUS accounts are up to date.  Just click the appropriate button below.
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Thank you for helping to keep our children and vulnerable adults safe!