My parish is doing a complete background check on me

[Orogeny]

A parishioner once asked me–why do I have to get a background check–I’m not the one that molested children.

Because we don’t know who the molesters are before hand or we wouldn’t need background checks. Besides, how do you know that that parishioner was telling the truth?

And if someone with no criminal record should end up being accused of wrongdoing, lawsuits will still be filed, on the premise that the diocese should have done more.

Lawsuits will be filed and the diocese will be able to say that they were doing their due diligence. It doesn’t guarantee that no predators will slip through the screening process, but it helps.

Peace

Tim

 

[JimG]

Because we don’t know who the molesters are before hand or we wouldn’t need background checks. Besides, how do you know that that parishioner was telling the truth?Lawsuits will be filed and the diocese will be able to say that they were doing their due diligence. It doesn’t guarantee that no predators will slip through the screening process, but it helps.

Peace

Tim

Well, there are degrees of due diligence, and as far as I know, no legal standard has been established. It sounds like most who have responded here are doing more than my parish, which does background checks of the national and state sex-offender database, plus Virtus training.

I’ve attended Virtus training, and have my doubts about its effectiveness. The databases can be checked by anybody using the internet. I recall once doing a check of volunteers and hitting a positive result. When the pastor was notified, he looked at the DOB and photo and said it was not the same person. Still, if a person had been excluded based on a false positive, that too could have been the basis for a lawsuit.

The parishioner I mentioned was being a little sarcastic. His meaning was that some priests from some decades ago get convicted of molestation, and as a result he and thousands of parishioners have to go through a lot of extra screening.

 

[puzzleannie]

Actually, priests undergo thorough background checks and have to attend the same training as the laity does.

Peace

Tim

the process candidates for priesthood and the diaconate go through is much more exhaustive and extensive. Virtus is the child safety orientation. the background check is not Virtus. It is done by whatever private or government agency the diocese retains. Here it is done by state police.

I hope you do take the training because it will include an education that removes some of the misconceptions expressed here.

Yes, lay people abuse children
yes volunteers abuse children
yes the policy is in place because of huge financial losses paid for by dioceses out of their own funds, parishioner contributions, and their insurers
yes it is mandate by the loss prevention officers
yes there is a huge burden faced by the Church due to abuse, not merely child abuse but financial and other irregularities as well, on the part of lay persons, volunteers and paid employees

It is not a problem exclusive to the priesthood, nor is it exclusive to the Church, it is simply that the problems involving priests get the most publicity.

It is my job to do everything in my power to insure your child’s safety when he participates in any program or activity in the parish. All our parents are invited to participate in the training as well. It has been an educational and in some cases healing process for many.

 

[Orogeny]

the process candidates for priesthood and the diaconate go through is much more exhaustive and extensive. Virtus is the child safety orientation. the background check is not Virtus. It is done by whatever private or government agency the diocese retains. Here it is done by state police.

I don’t know the process used for background checks in this archdiocese, but I know it is done through the Safe Envrironments department. This background check is separate from any other background checks done for employment purposes.

I hope you do take the training because it will include an education that removes some of the misconceptions expressed here.

Well, I have been through the class about 25 or so times. I am a Virtus facilitator.

Peace

Tim

 

[Serap]

I read the paper on my way to work…

A man was convicted of sexually abusing 2 pre-schoolers at a daycare here in my city. He was a volunteer leader of a program at the daycare. The 2 boys were afraid of telling because they didn’t want to stop getting candy and were afraid of not being special.

It breaks my heart.

 

[mizznicole]

The John Jay report claims that $572,507,094.00 was paid to victims for priest abuse. That was only up till 2002, and doesn’t include Boston. I’d find it hard to believe that lay people incurred more than $600 million in damages, but I guess it’s possible.

usccb.org/nrb/johnjaystudy/

 

[puzzleannie]

having just finished this discussion with a group of volunteers who are balking at the whole process, I only want to add that this is about a lot more than “Protecting God’s Children”, it is about “Protecting the Diocese” from claims and “Protecting Insurance Companies” and most of all “Protecting God’s Volunteers.” This training can save you from an accusation that can range from inconvenience to loss of your livelihood and freedom if you learn and follow the rules. It does not take a proven accusation, it only takes an accusation that “could have happened this way” to ruin your life.

the John Jay study looked at abuses by priests and religious. Those huge settlements make the news, but dioceses and religious orders, and individuals (which settlements do not make the news) are hit much more frequently with negligence and liability claims that have nothing to do with child abuse. the most common are claims involving transportation for church sponsored events.

 

[happymommy]

We have to have the background check if you are doing anything in the church that could have you around kids, teaching, helping in the office. Even if you are in the choir because we have middle school kids in the choir too. We as RE teachers also have to go to training.

For our school district we have to have a background check and a TB test before we can help in the classroom even for a holiday party.

It needs to be done, sadly. But it helps protect everyone involved. I know I feel better about my kids and I feel better about helping out. There are too many untrustworthy people out there.