In an ongoing effort to protect children, to provide safe environments for them, the Catholic Church mandates training as well background checks and provides further education and resources for all adults working with children.
Background Check Process
- General Requirements
- FastFingerprints is a company the Diocese of Columbus works with closely. It is recommended for background checks but webcheck location will do. See the website below to schedule an appointment with FastFingerprints or click here for all webcheck locations.
Audit Forms
For those completing the Data Gathering Report of the 2023-2024 year, you will find the forms listed below. At this time, the forms are only available in PDF. If you are needing a digital copy in a different format, please reach out to the Safe Environment Office. Thank you!
- Cover Letter 2023-2024
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Forms ABCDE for2023-2024
- There are multiple copies of Forms A, C, & D. Please be mindful of this so that way the data is listed on the correct form.
- Local Data Gathering Report for 2023-2024
***Effective January 3, 2024, the Diocese of Columbus will be working with SELECTiON.COM Fastrax® to improve our background report process.
- The first step of this process will require all new clergy, employees, and volunteers creating a VIRTUS account and registering for a Protecting God’s Children Class, to also register for SELECTiON.COM Fastrax® and pay for this on-line background report. (This is a onetime fee)
- New employees and volunteers will still have to complete an initial criminal background report through the BCI.
- Using reports from both the BCI and Selection.com will enable us to conduct more thorough background checks of current and prospective clergy, employees, and volunteers.
What is SELECTiON.COM Fastrax®?
- SELECTiON.COM Fastrax®, will provide the Diocese of Columbus with quarterly updates on our clergy, employees, and volunteers. This process will alert us if a clergy member, employee, or volunteer is the subject of any criminal charges after the initial background report.
- SELECTiON.COM Fastrax® will provide national and local search of court records from Courts of Common Plea, Municipal, and Mayor’s court. Some of these lower courts do not always report the results of trials to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).
For more information on the program, please visit:
Bob McGee
Associate Director
Office of Diocesan Safe Environment Office
614-241-2568 x 1544
[email protected]
Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator
Laura J. Lewis, M.A., L.P.C.C.-S
866-448-0217
[email protected]
[email protected]