CORI Policy

Background screening is a tool the Church uses to secure the safety of our children, youth, elderly and the disabled.  Carrying out background checks on those who minister to our most vulnerable populations enables us to live up to our commitment and responsibility to provide a safe environment for those we serve.  The Archdiocese works diligently to ensure that all Archdiocesan and Religious Order clergy, educators, volunteers, parish and school staff as well as men in preparation for the priesthood and deaconate are properly screened by evaluating each individual’s CORI (criminal offender record information.)  Through the Office for Background Screening, approximately 85,000 CORI are conducted annually.

The Office for Background Screening:

• Directs a centralized Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system that assists Archdiocesan parishes, schools, agencies and offices in checking the background of all clergy, faculty, staff and volunteers (18 years of age and older).
• Promotes definitive planning for ministry service and comprehensive intake and management of volunteers in a manner consistent with the Archdiocese of Boston Policies and Procedures for the Protection of Children and the norms of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

The Plainville-Wrentham Catholic Collaborative requires all volunteers to fill out a CORI form yearly and attend a one-time VIRTUS training class.  To print a copy of the CORI form, please click on the link below.  For more information on the availability of the VIRTUS classes, please contact your parish Faith Formation Office.

Be sure to review the related information on 'Protecting God's Children' policy.