Volunteering

If you plan to volunteer (in classrooms, on field trips, at parties, or as a coach) in the Catholic School System you are expected to complete this list of checks and training outlined below to be in compliance with the Archdiocese's mission to protect children and young people. Paper copies of required forms are available in the school office. For questions on Virtus training and compliance, please see the outline below or contact Kasia Sonska-Niznik at [email protected].
 
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:
 
1. Register with Virtus online
  • Visit Virtus Online and click the "First Time Registrant" button
  • Chose: Chicago, IL (Archdiocese)
  • Set up your username and password
  • Choose location: Sacred Heart School - Winnetka
  • Choose your role as a volunteer
 
2. In Virtus - Criminal Background Screening
  • Submit Criminal Background Check application prompted in your Virtus account
  • Check your email from S2Verify to authorize the background check
  • Select to receive your report before submitting
  • The background check must be submitted every three years to maintain compliance

3. In Virtus - Code of Conduct
  • Read and electronically sign in your Virtus account prior to beginning service
  • This form needs to be completed annually to maintain compliance
 
4. In Virtus - Declarations
  • Read and electronically sign in your Virtus account prior to beginning service
  • This form needs to be completed annually to maintain compliance
 
5. In Virtus - Protecting God's Children or Keeping the Promise Alive
  • Protecting God's Children is an initial online training that needs to be completed prior to beginning service
  • Keeping the Promise Alive is an online renewal class and must be completed every three years to maintain compliance
  • In addition to the training, you will receive monthly bulletins to help you stay current on your training. You are required to complete these each month to maintain compliance
 
6. Mandated Reporter Training
  • Register for an account at dcfstraining.org
  • Complete the online Mandated Reporter training and email the certificate to Kasia or submit it to the school office
  • This training needs to be completed every three years to maintain compliance
 
7. CANTS - Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System
  • Download Cants 22 form and email it to Kasia or submit it to the school office - this form needs to be completed annually
  • Download the CANTS 689 Form and submit a signed copy to the school office. The school will mail a copy of the form to DCFS in Springfield. This form needs to be submitted annually to maintain compliance