CALIFORNIA
The Valley Catholic
By Roberta Ward
Anthony Gonzalez has been named Director of the Office for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults (OPCVA) for the Diocese of San Jose. The office responds to victims’ inquiries and allegations and is responsible for training employees and volunteers in parishes, schools and diocesan-related programs and projects aimed at protecting youth and others from sexual abuse.
Gonzalez comes to the diocesan position from Child Quest International, Inc. where he was Assistant Director, leading services which address victim advocacy and case management. He also served as communications ambassador for government affairs and directed daily operations for the agency’s partnerships and client services.
His academic background is in Communication Design and Media Arts, and he has professional certifications as a NamUs Victim Advocate, radKIDS Abduction and Abuse Prevention Trainer, and i-SAFE Internet Safety Trainer.
Building on the work of the office since the OPCVA began a decade ago, Gonzalez notes that today there are fewer reports of diocesan offenders because “the training and checking are paying off, and there is overall compliance.”
He especially noted a new aspect of training of “teen leaders” which includes volunteers under 18 who may be in regular contact with minors or vulnerable adults.
As of May 21, 2014, they may no longer use the “Shield the Vulnerable” online option for Safe Environment volunteer training.
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