SJA
Implements
VIRTUS® Training

Last year Gary Schoener, Executive Director of Walk-In Counseling Center and a national expert on clergy sexual abuse spoke at SJA At that time Gary stated that a faith community can have all the right policies and procedures in place but it is only through informed vigilance that an atmosphere of safety and caring for our children can be established.

On Saturday, September 8th from 9 am to noon, SJA initiated the national program VIRTUS® Protecting God’s Children Teaching Touching Safety Program for Children--a critical part of keeping vigilance because the program gives parents and those who work with children the knowledge, tools, and support to understand and to address safety issues for children. Just like children are taught to obey stop signs, red or green lights, and bicycle safety rules, they also need to know about child sexual abuse prevention.

VIRTUS training is required for anyone at SJA who wishes to work with children, youth and vulnerable adults either as a volunteer or SJA employee. I, along with 15 other SJA parishioners participated in the VIRTUS training on September 8th and without hesitation I highly recommend participation.

Renee Valois, a freelance writer, a mother of two teenagers—Nick,18 and Victoria, 15, and a member of Corpus Christi parish in Roseville led the training which included two training tapes that incorporated exceedingly practical steps in keeping vigilant—[1] Know the Warning Signs, [2] Control Access to Children, Youth and Vulnerable Adults, [3] Monitor All Programs, [4] Be Aware—Keep Your Eyes Open, and [5] Communicate Any Concerns.

Renee was adept in leading the discussions on the tapes and had a wealth of practical information about the characteristics of molesters—60% are known and trusted by the victim and 29% of molesters are biologically related to the child—only 11% of molesters are NOT known by the child. Renee encouraged participants in the training to confidently engage in working with our children and youth as well as be attentive to the indications of possible harm to those we love so dearly.


and
Phil Klees, aka Dr. Phil, is a licensed psychologist with clinical expertise with adolescents, adults and, couples and families. He has been nomadic in his career working in Anchorage, AK, Little Rock, AR (shook Bill Clinton’s hand—YES!!!) and Miami, FL. Three years ago he returned to his home state of Minnesota. Phil has been emotionally connected to SJA for 20+ years and an official member since returning to Minneapolis. Phil can be contacted at psklees@yahoo.com.
Keeping vigilant in protecting our children requires a commitment as well as practical action. Therefore, ALL VOLUNTEERS who minister to children and vulnerable adults MUST take the VIRTUS training. Sessions will be held at SJA on Saturdays, September 15 and 29, 9 am to noon. Sessions are also held at other locations. Registration is online at virtusonline.org. Click on registration and find the SJA site. For further information contact Steve at the Parish Center, 612-823-8205.



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