Safe Environment Training and Youth Protection Training

Catholic values and conduct must be upheld by Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Pastoral Coordinators, Educators, Seminarians, Religious men and women, lay employees, independent contractors, and all volunteers working in the Diocese of San Bernardino.

Individuals who have regular contact with children while working and/or volunteering in the Diocese of San Bernardino must review and agree in writing to adhere to the Diocesan policies prior to beginning service with the Diocese These policies includes the Diocese of San Bernardino's "Safe Environment Policy for the Protection of Children and Young People and Code of Pastoral Conduct."

Lay employees and volunteers working in the Diocese of San Bernardino must abide by the "Code of Ethics" pertaining to the particular profession as well as the Diocese of san Bernardino's "Code of Pastoral Conduct." As lay ministers who are entrusted with the safety of the youth in the Diocese of San Bernardino, Scouters (either registered in the Boy Scouts of America or in the Girl Scouts of America) are required to fulfill and uphold the highest standards of conduct.

The Diocese of San Bernardino requires all Scouters (both Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of America) wishing to work with the youth in the Diocese of San Bernardino to go through Safe Environment Training ('VIRTUS') through the Diocese of San Bernardino's Safe Environment Ministries. After going through "VIRTUS," a certificate of completion of the training must be on file with the Chair of the San Bernardino Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting prior to working with youth.

Please note: Once an individual has completed the Diocese of San Bernardino's "VIRTUS" training and has obtained a completion of the training, please email the Chair of the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting for the Diocese of San Bernardino.

In addition to completing the Diocese of San Bernardino's "VIRTUS" training, an individual wishing to work with the youth of the Diocese of San Bernardino as a Catholic Religious Emblems Counselor, is asked to complete an in-depth religious emblems counselor training as well as "Youth Protection Training" (registered with the Boy Scouts of America).

Please note: The Girl Scouts of America's recommendation for safety and activity planning for all Girl Scouts may be found in the newly updated "Volunteer Essentials" (available at a local Girl Scout Council).

In 2002, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued the "Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People." Please click here to read the entire text of the USCCB's Charter for the Protection of Childern and Young People.

Important Links Regarding Safe Environment and Youth Protection

Diocese of San Bernardino

Diocese of San Bernardino Safe Environment Training Program

Diocese of San Bernardino Report of Sexual Abuse of a Minor (pdf version)

Boy Scouts of America

Boy Scouts of America (Youth Protection Training)

California Inland Empire Council's Child Abuse Reporting Requirements (webpage version)

Girl Scouts of America

Safety-Wise (recently updated and is now referred to as Volunteer Essentials)

Staying Safe for Girls, A Proactive Approach to Teaching Girls Personal Safety Skills

State of California

State of California Child Protective Services (CPS)

Riverside County Child Protective Services

San Bernardino County Children and Family Services