Safe Environment

From the Office of Child and Youth Protection:

After reviewing the evaluation and in an ongoing effort to better meet the needs of parishes, the Presbyteral Council recommended that we move forward with a new on-line training program called The CMG Connect Safe Environment Program. This program provides informed quality training and content, current best practices, advanced compliance technology, and is user friendly. Beginning January 1, 2019, The CMG Connect Safe Environment program will be used by all clergy, religious, deacons, employees, volunteers, and groups in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

The Archdiocese of Galveston Houston has replaced VIRTUS with The CMG Safe Haven online training program. This training consists of 3 vignette style training videos that is approximately 90 minutes and will include a criminal background check that must be completed. These trainings are available in English and Spanish. The Diocese will no longer offer live trainings, all Safe Environment trainings will only be available online.

WHO SHOULD BE TRAINED?

All clergy, employees, contracted school personnel, and volunteers over the age of 18, who work in any capacity with or around children, the elderly, adults with special needs, vulnerable adults, or adults “in a vulnerable position” are required to complete the Archdiocesan Safe Environment Training. A criminal background check must be submitted and reviewed before they may begin employment or volunteer at schools or with ministries, groups, movements, and organizations. In addition, the mandatory renewal training must be completed every 5 years and a new background check submitted. The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Safe Environment compliance training and renewal training is a condition of employment and for volunteer ministry in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

St. Anthony of Padua requires all adults volunteering with our parish be in compliance with the Safe Environment qualifications.

HOW DO I ACCESS THE TRAINING MODULES?

• If you have a VIRTUS account: Log into www.CMGConnect.org with your previous personal VIRTUS user id and 1234 as the password. Once logged in you will have the ability to change your password. This is recommended.

• If you do not have a VIRTUS account: Log into www.CMGConnect.org, and follow the instructions. Note: Your legal name (on your driver’s license/passport) is the name that one needs to use when registering. Not doing so may prohibit your information from being processed.

HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO TAKE THE TRAINING?

• If you have been VIRTUS trained in the past your information has been imported to CMGConnect. Please log in to www.CMGConnect.org using the instructions above to verify that all your information is accurate, and you are up to date in your trainings.

• If you are not in compliance the program will direct you to the training sessions you are required to take.

You will be required to take the training every 5 years. Please make sure your email address stays up to date at the CMGConnect website since this is how training notifications will be sent. Any questions can be directed to your staff ministry lead. If you are having a problem accessing your account information you can contact our Safe Environment Coordinators.