Hints From the Parishes
How to Make the Process Easier
 

Remember, the State Police Criminal History Record clearance may be done online with results back in 30 seconds. 

Keep a copy of the Child Abuse application form so the renewal process will be easier. 

Have a welcome packet for new volunteers to include all important parish information plus the Pastoral Code of Conduct, clearance forms and instructions, list of nearby, and upcoming VIRTUS sessions.  

Explain that the Child Abuse clearance looks nothing like the application, is parchment colored, and will arrive in a business envelope to the individual’s home. 

A parish check is a business check. You no longer have to purchase a money order. 

When mailing in a batch of Child Abuse Clearance applications, have a “control” person who will call you when they receive their clearance in their home mail.  You now know the week they will all arrive and can call each person to remind them to bring in his/her clearance. 

Some parishes and schools have dealt with problems of unreturned paperwork by reimbursing the individual upon receipt of the clearances. 

For volunteers requiring the State Police clearance to accompany the Child Abuse application, the State Police clearance is only valid for one year. 

We need to renew the clearances every three years.  In some parishes the State Police clearance is current and the Child Abuse clearance needs to be renewed.  To save some money, check the school box instead of the volunteer box, and you do not need to have a new state police clearance done. 

Boy Scout and Girl Scout leaders of troops chartered by the Parish are required to have both clearances and VIRTUS training. 

Remind everyone to register online after the VIRTUS session so that his/her name will appear on your parish list. 

For those individuals who refuse to obtain clearances, uncover the real objection.  Most of the time, it is just a misunderstanding. 

Do not hesitate to call Gail Fromm, 204-2214 or 877-5965 with any questions.  I am here to help simplify this often difficult process.