Sacraments Safeguarding

The Catholic Diocese of Sale is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment to people of all ages, with special concern for children, young people and adults at risk. The Diocese has a zero tolerance to all forms of abuse and inappropriate behaviour which comes in many forms.

The National Response Protocol underpins all aspects of the response of the Diocese of Sale which reinforces the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards.

The following Principles apply to responding to a complaint and making a report:

  • The prioritisation of the safety of the child or adult at risk
  • Complaints are taken seriously and responded to promptly and thoroughly
  • Anyone making a report is protected with regard to confidentiality and immunity from legal liability.

The safeguarding of children and adults is underpinned by a range of Victorian legislation and frameworks which include:

  • Mandatory reporting
  • Reportable Conduct
  • Crimes Act (Failure to Protect, Failure to Disclose, Grooming)
  • Evidence Act 2008.

All Church personnel including clergy are required to report abuse of children to Victoria Police. Report abuse (downloadable A4 pdf poster for use in parishes).

Any child who is considered to be in imminent danger following an allegation of abuse will be reported immediately to the Department of Health and Human Services (Child Protection).

Refer to Five Critical Actions for Church Personnel (downloadable A4 pdf poster)

The Diocesan Complaints Handling and Reporting Policy (downloadable pdf) outlines the obligations of all Church personnel including clergy.

For more information, please email the Professional Standards Officer
Email: pso@sale.catholic.org.au.

If you are about to make a complaint or report, you are urged to contact the Professional Standards Office to support you on (03) 5614 5140.

 

Reportable Conduct Scheme

Under the Scheme, a head of an organisation is required by law to notify the Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP) of all allegations of reportable conduct by employees, contractors and volunteers.

Reportable conduct involves:

  • Sexual offence
  • Sexual misconduct
  • Physical violence - actual or apprehended, committed against, with or in the presence of a child
  • Behaviour causing significant emotional or psychological harm to a child
  • Significant neglect of a child.

A reportable allegation occurs when a person forms a reasonable belief that a worker or volunteer has committed reportable conduct or misconduct that may include reportable conduct. The allegation does not require proof and should be considered more than trivial.

Anyone making a report under the Reportable Conduct Scheme should notify the Professional Standards Office whose contact details appear above.

For more information, please visit the Commission for Children and Young People website.

 
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