Child and Vulnerable Persons Safeguarding Policy

Child Safeguarding

We acknowledge the historical abuse and cover ups throughout our Parish, the Archdiocese of Melbourne and around our world.

“If one member suffers, all suffer together with it. “(1 Cor 12:26)

Our Holy Father, Pope Francis says:

These words of Saint Paul forcefully echo in my heart as I acknowledge once more the suffering endured by many minors due to sexual abuse, the abuse of power and abuse of conscience perpetrated by a significant number of clerics and consecrated persons. Crimes that inflict deep wounds of pain and powerlessness, primarily among the victims, but also in their family members and in the larger community of believers and non-believers alike….The pain of the victims and their families is also our pain,and so it is urgent that we once more reaffirm our commitment to ensure the protection of minors and of vulnerable adults.”

As St Mary of the Cross said (1873): “Never see an evil without seeing how you can remedy it”.

Let us pray:

Dear Jesus,

As we commit ourselves to child safety, we hold in our hearts all those who suffered abuse (sexual, physical and emotional)- the loss of innocence and trust that has resulted in insurmountable pain, shame, loss of dignity and self-worth to each of the survivors and their loved ones.

We ask for healing.

Deepen our faith and commitment and courage to follow you as Mary MacKillop did.

For all who work with children and the vulnerable, our clergy and Parishioners, to be totally committed to safeguarding and the continued education of child protective behaviours.

St Paul said, "Love bears all things “- May love bring healing and continue to grow and deepen our Church. For We, are the Church.

We open our hearts and love to you, dear Jesus.

Amen

Commitment to Child Safety

Our Parish of St Mary of the Cross Mordialloc/Aspendale and the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne holds the care, safety and wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable adults as central and fundamental responsibilities of the Church. This commitment is drawn from and inherent to the teaching and mission of Jesus Christ, with love justice and the sanctity of each human person at the heart of the Gospel.

See our Commitment Statement.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

We acknowledge that children, young people and adults at risk may require additional safeguards to promote their participation, wellbeing and safety. Our Parish has a Safeguarding Team that works with the Archdiocese Professional Standards Unit (PSU) to ensure that we create a culture of safety supported by policies, practices and procedures that strive to prevent abuse in the first instance and respond appropriately and effectively if abuse does occur. We respect the human dignity of each person. We strive to educate everyone on their rights and responsibilities to help create a safe, inclusive and welcoming Church that enables its people to grow and develop in their faith freely and in a caring and supportive environment.

Compliance

All our Parish Clergy, Staff and Volunteers are required to have current Working With Children Checks linked to our Parish and must have read and agreed with our Child Safeguarding Code of Conduct. Additional compliance requirements and training are necessary for some roles in the Parish.

Responding /Reporting

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

If you have any concerns about any child safety issue, please contact one of our Parish Safeguarding Team Members

or the Archdiocese Safeguarding Unit (03) 9926 5621 or go to safeguardingunit@cam.org.au