Safe Environment Policies

Archdiocese of Detroit Updated Safe Environment Policies


  • In an effort to prevent sexual abuse, bullying and other forms of mistreatment, all individuals working and volunteering in the Archdiocese of Detroit (AOD) must submit to a State of Michigan background check, agree to adhere to a specific code of conduct and be trained on the warning signs of various types of abuse.
  • Empowering God's Children
  • Protect - Prevent - Heal: Learn More


Virtus


  • The AOD uses the online platform VIRTUS for all training, monitoring, and data collection. Use the link below to set up a new account or log into your existing account. If you have taken Protecting God’s Children in the past, do not create a new account. If you do not remember your username or password, VIRTUS offers a username and password recovery option. If you receive a message that your account is "inactive" please contact the Parish Office.

    If you work or volunteer at another AOD location and have an existing VIRTUS account, please log into your account, click on the "My Info" box, scroll down to "+Add Role and Location," select your role at St. Mary, Our Lady Queen of Families and add St. Mary, Our Lady Queen of Families Parish as a location.
  • Virtus Log-In


New policy: FINGERPRINTING & BACKGROUND CHECKS, updated 8/1/26


Fingerprinting is required for clergy (priests and deacons); archdiocesan, parish, and school employees; and any volunteers who work directly with children and/or vulnerable adults. Volunteers who do not work directly with children and/or vulnerable adults are required to undergo an iChat (Michigan State Police) background check every 2 years.



Report Abuse


  • The Archdiocese of Detroit reports every complaint it receives, regardless of its source or the date of the alleged activity, to civil authorities. No complaints are held back, pre-screened or disregarded. This is done in accordance with voluntary agreements signed in the spring of 2002 by the archdiocese and prosecutors from all six counties within its boundaries. As a result of the agreements, the archdiocese shared case files of priests accused of sexual misconduct in previous years and committed to turning over all complaints in the future.
  • Potential Indicators of Abuse of Children


  • Sudden changes in behavior or school performance; medical conditions go untreated; lacks adult supervision; overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn behavior; does not want to go home; dehydration or malnutrition.
  • Potential Indicators of Abuse of Adults


  • Sudden changes in physical behavioral or financial status of elderly or someone with a developmental disability; left in front of a TV all day; dehydration or malnutrition.


WHO should report • WHEN to report • HOW to report


  • Anyone who suspects abuse – of any kind – should immediately make a report with local law enforcement. If you suspect someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

    Mandated reporters are an essential part of the child protection system because they have an enhanced capacity, through their expertise and direct contact with children, to identify suspected child abuse and neglect. The Michigan Child Protection Law, 1975 PA 238, MCL 722.621 et. seq., requires the reporting of child abuse and neglect by certain persons (called mandated reporters) and permits the reporting of child abuse and neglect by all persons. The Child Protection Law includes the legal requirements for reporting, investigating and responding to child abuse and neglect. Mandated reporters in Michigan must make an immediate verbal report to the CPS Centralized Intake for Abuse & Neglect at (855) 444-3911, followed by a written report within 72 hours. Reports also can be made online at     www.michigan.gov/en/mdhhs/adult-child-serv/abuse-neglect/childrens/mandated-reporters/Mandated-Reporters-List.


  • The Archdiocese of Detroit's abuse reporting Intake Coordinator, Tony Latarski, can be reached at (313) 237-6060, toll-free at (866) 343-8055, or via email to reportabuse@aod.org. Mr. Latarski has an extensive background in law enforcement and works to receive and respond to all complaints. All calls and messages regarding complaints of sexual abuse will be returned in a timely manner. Callers will be asked to provide their name and telephone number.


  • An individual may be more comfortable having first contact with the Victim Assistance Coordinator (Ms. Andrea Foley, VAC@aod.org, (313) 237-6062), but the report must nevertheless be made through the Intake Coordinator.


  • Individuals who suspect clergy sexual abuse of children or vulnerable adults are encouraged to contact the Michigan Attorney General’s Office by calling its toll-free reporting hotline at (844) 324-3374 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or by emailing aginvestigations@michigan.gov. Individuals also may contact their local police department.


  • Kindly direct any questions or concerns to Shawn DeBusschere 586-757-3306 x306

    Our goal is to empower children, youth, and adults to avoid and report unsafe or harmful situations. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.


 

Training for Adults

 

 

Training for Grades 9-12

 

 

Training for Grades K-8