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In the summer of 2001, the Diocese of Austin inaugurated the Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) program – one of the first programs for the protection of children and youth in the United States. As of January 1, 2023, the diocese implemented VIRTUS® for the training and safety education of adults and youth, and VIRTUS® Online as the EIM database portal.

All persons who engage in ministry in the Diocese of Austin (clergy, religious, employees, and lay volunteers) must complete the two-step EIM registration process through VIRTUS® Online in order to serve in ministry. The first step is to submit your profile and background history, agree to adhere to the Diocesan Code of Ethics, and authorize the Diocese to run an initial background check. The second step is to sign-up for and participate in an in-person EIM workshop within the first 30 days of ministry. To remain compliant and eligible to continue serving in ministry you will need to reauthorize a background check and complete an online EIM refresher training every three years. To view the Diocesan EIM policies please visit https://www.austindiocese.org/eim-policies 

Becoming EIM Compliant

Please note the requirement of EIM certification prior to volunteering at our school. New applicants, and existing applicants who have never attended an EIM Workshop, must attend an in-person EIM Workshop to fulfill their initial EIM compliance requirement. Please visit https://www.austindiocese.org/eim-instructions  for more information. If you are a new applicant who has submitted an EIM Application and needs to attend an EIM Workshop, contact your parish/school EIM site administrator regarding the status of an in-person EIM Workshop at your location.

Both the in-person and online training include frank discussions of sexual abuse.

If you have experienced sexual abuse and have concerns about viewing this training, please contact the EIM Office at (512) 949-2447 or EIM@austindiocese.org to discuss alternative training. 
Thank you for helping us protect all God’s children from harm.

Badges

All volunteers wear badges to indicate they are volunteers with Holy Family Catholic School. Once you have completed the EIM workshop, please contact Danna Kelemen for a new or replacement badge, or if you have any questions regarding EIM compliance.