The Safeguarding Committee of the Diocese of Sandhurst is part of the structure under the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards which is designed to be implemented by Catholic entities across Australia. The Standards constitute a framework which articulates the requirements for Catholic entities to promote the safety of children, young people and adults at risk through the implementation of policies and activities to prevent, respond and report concerns regarding all types of abuse.

The Committee consists of the Bishop, Safeguarding Co-ordinator, clergy of the Diocese and lay members, a composition representing the professions of law, health, education, parishes and social work across the Diocese.

The Committee meets at least three times a year. See terms of reference . The current Chair of the Committee is Ms Frances Browne (contact details below).
 
It is the responsibility of the Committee to oversee Safeguarding policies and procedures of the diocese and advise the Bishop in his duty of creating and sustaining safeguarding practices and policies in the parishes, agencies and entities of the Diocese.
 
The Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all persons, especially children, young people and adults at risk and has a zero tolerance for all types of abuse. The Diocese is committed to nationally established standards and protocols of the Catholic Church, as well as being compliant with all government legislation.

Safeguarding
1. Statement of commitment to Child Safety
2. Policy - Safeguarding Children and Young People
   * Appendix A: Children are safe, informed, and participate
   * Appendix B: Code of Conduct
   * Appendix C: Recruitment, screening, induction and training
   * Appendix D: Risk Management, providing a safe environment
   * Appendix E: Safeguarding and Complaints Management
   * Appendix F: National Police Check Protocol
   * Appendix G: Working with Children Check Protocol
   * Appendix H: Child Safety Legislation in Vic and other Jurisdictions
3. Children's Code of Conduct
4. Social Networking Policy
5. Responding to Issues of concern (flowchart)
6. Guidelines for Managing High Risk Individuals
7. Consent/Incident/Complaint form

Child Protection Legislation
Working With Children Check
Summary of Grooming Offence
Summary of Failure to Protect Legislation
Summary of Failure to Report legislation
Victorian Child Safe Standards including Reportable Conduct Scheme

Information for Child Safe Organisations

     Overviews

• Overview of the Victorian Child Safe Standards (CCYP – Video)
• Community of Practice - New Standards (CCYP Resources)
• Introductory self-assessment tool – 10 National Principles
• What does a child-safe parish feel like (ACSL Video)
• National Principles for Child Safe Organisations - Checklist of online safety

      Empowerment and Participation

• Empowerment and Participation of Children  (CCYP)
• “How to Guide” for engaging children and young people (ACSL)
   

     Cultural Safety

• Safety of Children from Culturally and Linguistically diverse backgrounds (CCYP Tip Sheet)

      Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children 

• Cultural Safety for Aboriginal Children (CCYP Tip Sheet) 
• Understanding Cultural Safety in Child Safe Organisations  (SNAICC – Video)
• Aboriginal Cultural Safety -- A conversation with Sherry Balcombe and Michael Chisholm 1 July 2022 (Video) 
• Mordialloc/Aspendale Parish discussion with Sherry Balcombe on Aboriginal Culture (Video)
   

      Children with a disability

• Safety of Children with a Disability (CCYP Tip Sheet) 
   

 Resources for Parents and Carers
1. Charter for children in out-of-home care
2. What to look for in a childsafe organisation
3. Older children home alone
4. Other people looking after your child babysitters
5. Teach your child to keep themselves safe
6. Listening to Children
7. Guide for parents and carers

Resources for Online Safety
Stay Safe Online

Links
ACSL final audit report – April 2021
National Redress Scheme click to download the NRS Application form 2018
CCYP An overview of the Victorian child safe standards
ACSL (Australian Catholic Safeguarding Limited) Information
Integrity in Ministry
Integrity in the Service of the Church
Mandatory reporting
Truth, Justice, Healing Council
CCYP A Guide for Creating a Child Safe Organisation Vers 5.0
Pathways Response Vic Ltd
ACSL National Catholic Safeguarding Standards (NCSS)
CCYP Reportable Conduct – Video

Media

Media Release: 20 January 2023 - Church publishes fifth annual report on child safety
Media Release: 7 December 2022 - National Catholic Safeguarding Standards Edition 2 Published
Media Release: 21 December 2021 - Pathways Victoria 
Media Release:  8 April 2021 - Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Welcomes Report of Safeguarding Audit
Media Release:  7 February 2017 - Statement from Bishop Leslie Tomlinson - Royal Commission

Contact
To make contact with the Diocesan Safeguarding Committee
Ms Frances Browne (Chair)
M: 0400 505 464 | E: [email protected]

Further contact
Pathways Victoria
Ph (03) 7064 3940 or www.pathwaysvictoria.com