As of January 1, 2023, the Diocese of Austin implemented the VIRTUS® Programs as its new comprehensive safe environment training platform for adults and children. In summary, Protecting God's Children® is the in-person EIM workshop program for new employees and volunteers, Protecting God's Children Online Awareness 4.0 is the online refresher training program, and Empowering God's Children® Program is the new safe environment curriculum for children and youth. The corresponding VIRTUS Online®; database is an online portal that provides access to your EIM account, including your workshop/training and background check history.
Click here for instructions on login to VIRTUS.org
The Catholic Diocese of Austin policies on Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) require that all clergy, employees and those volunteers who minister to youth or vulnerable adults in the diocese must be EIM compliant.
There are three (3) steps required to become EIM compliant:
1) submit an EIM application (online or paper copy), which
2) generates a confidential, criminal background check, and
3) attend a 2-hour EIM Workshop which teaches participants about boundaries, warning signs, appropriate interactions in our work with minors and vulnerable adults, how to respond to incidents and reviews diocesan EIM policies.
The application is only submitted one time; the background check is automatically rerun every 3 years from the date of your application submission and does not require any additional action on your part. Workshop attendance is required every 3 years after the initial EIM Workshop. Workshops are held several times a year at our parish and throughout the year at other parishes in the diocese.
Click here for the EIM application form.
If you are a victim of sexual abuse and have concerns regarding your attendance at a workshop, contact the diocesan EIM office at (512) 949-2447 or [email protected] to discuss an alternative workshop arrangement.
HOW TO REPORT ABUSE To report abuse or any violation of the diocesan EIM policies, click here. You may also contact the EIM office or the Vicar General at (512) 949-2400. Texas State law also requires that abuse and/or neglect of a minor must be reported to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services through their website or at 1-800-252-5400 , and/or through local police.
If you, or someone you know, have experienced abuse by someone representing the Catholic Church, please contact the Coordinator of Pastoral Care for the Diocese of Austin at (512) 949-2400.