• VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS

    In order to ensure a safe environment for our students, we follow the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office for the Protection of Children and Youth guidelines for all volunteers. All volunteers must be screened before engaging with students. Though there are a few steps, AACA Administrative Assistant Connie Del Toral is available to help you throughout the process. 

    The steps to becoming an approved volunteer are straightforward and organized through the Virtus program. 
     
    The Virtus portal organizes all the requirements, so step one is setting up an account. Please select "Chicago, IL" as your main location and "Alphonsus Academy" as your site.
     
    Criminal Background Checks are the first requirement, and are rechecked every three years. 
     
    Upon completion, you will be prompted to complete the Child Abuse and Neglect Form (CANTS 689) which you will acknowledge and send to Connie Del Toral.
     
    The most important (and time-consuming) portion of the certification is the Protecting God’s Children (PGC) training session. This is available online or on-site at a neighboring church/ school. Upon registration, you must complete within 15 days. After initial PCG, recertification is required every three years through the Keeping the Promise Alive program. 
     
    The Archdiocesan Standards of Behavior for Church Personnel Working with Minors and Vulnerable Adults is required to be signed online annually.   
     
    Finally, Mandated Reporter Training (completed through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, not through Virtus) is also required and recertified every three years, including the updated Acknowledgment Form (CANTS 22) which will be returned to the office as well.