Our Safe Environment Programs:

The Child and Youth Protection unit works with parishes and schools to ensure that all employees and volunteers that have regular and consistent contact with children receive the proper training and have current criminal background checks. This training gives our employees and volunteers the safety tools they will need to use in all aspects of their lives. We also assist parishes and schools in implementing and scheduling VIRTUS training programs for both adults and children.

The Diocese of Trenton utilizes the following training programs:
VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children for Adults: Virtus Online (Links to Fingerprinting and Child Protection Course). Please contact Mary Szmutko 609-882-3277×3 the Safe Environment Coordinator for instructions and to register for an online Child Protection Course.

This program helps the adults in our society to recognize the warning signs of a potential offender and how to appropriately respond. (select Trenton – Diocese in drop down list)  Click here for a list of upcoming sessions.

If you have been fingerprinted for the Diocese of Trenton, or attended a Virtus Child Protection Course in the past, please transfer your primary location to OLGC.

OLGC Volunteers and Employees – please contact our Coordinator Mary Szmutko 609-882-3277×3  for information or any questions.

Our promise to protect

The Diocese of Trenton is committed to the initiatives outlined in the U.S. Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in regard to the reporting and investigation of sexual abuse allegations involving minors.  The Diocese has in place a Victim’s Assistance Coordinator, who is available to obtain support for your needs and help you make a formal complaint of abuse.

If you have been sexually abused as a minor by a member of the clergy or anyone representing the Catholic Church, or if you know someone who was, you can report that abuse through the diocesan Abuse Hotline: 1-888-296-2965 or via email at abuseline@dioceseoftrenton.org.

The Diocese encourages anyone with an allegation to also report that abuse to their local law enforcement agency.  The Diocese reports all allegations received to the appropriate county prosecutor’s office.

Teen Lures Prevention (High School & Youth Group)

• This programs helps our teens address a number of concerns that they may face as they continue to be faced with adult situations as young adults.