As Christian adults, we have a moral and legal responsibility and are entrusted by God with the spiritual, emotional, and physical well being of children and adults. As they participate in activities within or sponsored by our Diocese, schools or parishes, it is our responsibility to provide an environment which is safe and nurturing.

Because of the serious nature of allegations of abuse and sexual misconduct by Church personnel, it is important that all personnel be informed about diocesan policy on performing background checks, how we are working to prevent abuse, and the procedures that are followed when reports of abuse or sexual misconduct by Church personnel are received.  

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Screening Requirements:

• Priests
• Deacons
• Seminarians
• Scout Leaders if troop or pack is Chartered by parish or school
• All Employees
• Volunteers working with minors and vulnerable adults unsupervised by a trainined SE person
• Overnight Function Volunteers

(Background checks cannot be conducted on minors under 18)

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What Information Will Be Checked?

Background checks ordered by the Diocese will check criminal history as well as the Iowa Child Abuse Registry.

A Credit Check is NOT part of the normal screening process, unless the employee/volunteer works with financial information.

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Background Screening Forms:

Forms are no longer accepted everything is done via the  www.virtus.org  website which links to the ESR background check website. You have to create an account in VIRTUS and then it will connect you with the ESR website to complete the background check. All information is kept on a secure website. These items are required to volunteer or be employed in our diocese.

A background check is completed on initial employment or volunteering and every 5 years.

Instructions on how to complete the program.