Safeguarding
CHILD PROTECTION
is everyone’s responsibility!
_________________________________________________
St. Patrick’s Catholic Parish, in union with the Archdiocese of Melbourne, affirms its solemn commitment to the protection, safety, and wellbeing of all children and young people. This fundamental responsibility of the Church is grounded in the sacred teachings and mission of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and is faithfully enacted with charity and justice to uphold and safeguard the inherent dignity of every human person.
| Code of Conduct |
This commitment applies unequivocally to all staff and volunteers within St. Patrick’s Catholic Parish and the Archdiocese of Melbourne.
Policy on the Safeguarding and Well-being of Children and Young People
Reporting abuse or safe-related misconduct
All staff and volunteers of St. Patrick's Parish
Clergy, employees, and volunteers are highly committed to upholding the inherent right of every individual to safety and to actively fostering a culture of protection through the diligent application of established policies, practices, and procedures. We endeavour to maintain a welcoming Church environment that nurtures the spiritual growth and development of all faithful.
St. Patrick's and the Archdiocese of Melbourne require all staff and volunteers to:
hold a current Working With Children Check (WWCC)
acknowledge and agree to the Code of Conduct (see attachment above)
complete the Safeguarding Essentials Training Module
Contacts for Concerns, Allegations, or Complaints
St. Patrick’s Parish, in communion with the Archdiocese of Melbourne, upholds a policy of zero tolerance for child abuse. All concerns, allegations, or complaints regarding the safety and wellbeing of children and young people will be taken with the utmost seriousness and addressed in accordance with civil law, moral responsibility, and the safeguarding policies of the Catholic Church.
Any such matter should be reported to a person in a position of leadership within the parish (e.g., Clergy, Child Safety Committee member, or Parish Staff).
Child abuse constitutes a criminal offence.
If a child or a young person is in immediate danger,
contact Victoria Police on 000 without delay.
Other contacts
Archdiocese Safeguarding Unit
Mon - Fri | 9am - 5pm
03 9926 5621 | safeguardingunit@cam.org.au
Pathways Victoria
responds to allegations of abuse in the Catholic Church across the Victorian dioceses
03 7064 3940 | info@pathwaysvictoria.com
Child Protection
North Division intake: 1300 664 977
South Division intake: 1300 655 795
East Division intake: 1300 360 391
West Division intake: (Metropolitan) 1300 664 977
West Division intake: (Rural and regional) 1800 075 599
After hours, weekends, public holidays: 13 12 78
Additional resources
Reporting abuse and safe-related misconduct
Antidiscrimination and Racism Policy
Should you have any enquiries pertaining to the Parish Child Safety Committee, you are respectfully invited to contact the Parish Office via email: kilmore@cam.org.au