What are the VIRTUS® programs?
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VIRTUS is the brand name that
identifies best practices programs designed to help prevent wrongdoing and
promote "rightdoing" within religious organizations. The VIRTUS
programs empower organizations and people to better control risk and improve
the lives of all those who interact with the Church.
Who created the VIRTUS programs?
The National Catholic Risk Retention Group, Inc. (National Catholic) created
the programs. Monsignor Kevin McCoy, past board chairman of National Catholic,
asked whether child sexual abuse could be prevented and, if so, how? In March
of 1998, National Catholic invited prominent national experts—experts in many
disciplines—to discuss these questions at a forum in Washington, D.C. From those
discussions, the initiative for the VIRTUS programs was created. The National
Catholic Board of Directors selected an Ad Hoc Committee to oversee development
of the programs. The Ad Hoc Committee was assisted by a steering committee of
nationally known experts and program and service providers.
Why did National Catholic select
VIRTUS as the brand name for the programs?
The word virtus derives from Latin, and means valor, moral strength,
excellence, and worth. In ancient times, virtus denoted a way of life and
manner of behavior that always aspired to the highest, most positive attributes
of people and aspects of human interaction.
VIRTUS Programs: Our Concept and
Methodology
The VIRTUS programs are a platform
that provide the foundation, and also, the superstructure, of all the risk
control (loss prevention/loss control) initiatives undertaken by National
Catholic on behalf of its shareholders and the Church.
The VIRTUS programs constantly and
consistently employ several elements as the cornerstone of their methodology.
These are (summarized):
- they target both institutional change, and also,
individual behavior modification, with appropriate products/services.
- they provide both reactive/responsive and proactive
tools, often assembled as "toolkits," to address the exposure
areas confronting our insureds.
- they employ multiple modalities (written materials, web
training modules, audiotapes, videotapes, training manuals, seminars,
etc.), to reach our audience.
- they utilize a "Think Tank" development
model, including engagement of an Expert Consulting Team that assists with
the development and implementation of our products/services.
- they are "constructed" and deployed in phases
or components (Phase I of the VIRTUS programs deals with child sexual
abuse and other inappropriate sexual behavior; we intend for Phase II to
address violence prevention/mitigation; etc.).
- they exist as an ongoing process—phases are never
"finished," but rather are continuously refined and updated, and
constantly available.
- all activities are designed to ensure a constant
product/service "pipeline."
- they seek and engage outstanding professional service
providers for product development and training, whom we manage
synergistically.
- they are committed to measurable results and continuous
improvement.
- they adhere to a "best practices" standard.
Through the VIRTUS programs, we are
committed and dedicated to the task of constantly providing National Catholic’s
shareholders, and indeed the broader Church, with the absolute finest, most
cost efficient, and effective risk control measures available anywhere.
To register for a VIRTUS Training Session, please click here or visit VIRTUS at www.virtusonline.org.