Ministry of Protection Mission Statement
The Office for the Protection of Children & Vulnerable Adults (OPCVA) is committed to fostering healthy relationships within the Diocese of San Jose through awareness and interpersonal safety education for our children, as well as safety training and background screening for all adults who minister or provide services to our children and/or vulnerable adults, in our effort to help maintain a safe environment for all.
To report suspected child or elderly abuse in your parish, school or in the Diocese of San Jose, please follow the instructions on the Diocesan’s “Reporting Abuse” web page for guidance on how to file a formal report with authorities and the Diocese. For all other concerns or inquires, please contact the Office for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults at 408-983-0113. Please feel free to contact us via email as well at protection@dsj.org
Safe Environment Training Information
Clergy, Employees & Adult Volunteers: Safe Environment Training is mandatory for diocesan clergy, employees and active volunteers working with youth or vulnerable adults. Training must be renewed every three (3) years by clergy, employees and active volunteers. The VIRTUS® online training course – Protecting God’s Children (PGC) – provides flexible accessibility and is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Korean languages. Volunteers and employees who serve in Homebound Ministries, or bringing the Eucharist to the sick, are responsible for taking the combined training course – Protecting God’s Children & Vulnerable Adults – which incorporates the Protecting God’s Children training material. Online training is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Korean languages. Training Website: www.virtusonline.org
High School Student Volunteers (Teen Volunteers Ages 13 – 18): Youth between the ages of 13 up to their 18 birthday, must complete the VIRTUS® online training course, Healthy Choices For Teens 1.0, for employment of volunteer service eligibility. Training must be renewed every 2 years to maintain eligibility up to 18 years of age. Once the teen reaches 18 years of age, they are required to take the adult training programs in order to continue their service.
Safe Environment training material for children in diocesan schools or parish faith formation programs can be accessed on the VIRTUS® Resources for Teachers & Catechist web page.
Live Safe Environment Training Dates **CANCELED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE**
AS OF MARCH 14, 2020 ALL LIVE TRAINING POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Please refer to the VIRTUS® online training option for your convenience. Thank you!
Online training is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese & Korean Languages.
Adult Safe Environment Online Training Option: Adult training is available, free of cost, as a “Live” presentation (availability listed below) or may be completed via our online program VIRTUS®. To take the Safe Environment training course online, please go to www.virtusonline.org.
February 2020
February 6th, Thursday @ 7pm, St. Joseph Parish (Mountain View) – SET* for Adult Volunteers
February 13th, Thursday @ 7pm, St. Joseph Parish (Mountain View) – SET* for Adult Volunteers
March 2020
Live Safe Environment Trainings are postponed until further notice. Please complete training course on line, which is available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Read above for further instructions.
*SET = Safe Environment Training for Adult Volunteers
* Please allow two hours for the training
* Please Arrive Early- No late entries
* No Minors Allowed- Please Arrange for Childcare
* Live Safe Environment Trainings are FREE
Safe Environment Pledge from Bishop Oscar Cantú
Letter Signed: August 30, 2019 (PDF)
Diocesan Safe Environment Standards
Anthony D. Gonzalez
Director of Youth & Vulnerable Adult Protection
Direct Phone: 408.983.0113
Office Contact Information
Griselda Cervantez, MSW
Victim Assistance Coordinator & Prevention Advocate
Direct Phone: 408.983.0225