The Diocese of Parramatta is actively raising community awareness about the importance of safeguarding as part of National Child Protection Week (1-7 September 2024).
In line with this year’s theme: ‘Every child, in every community, needs a fair go’, the Diocese has taken steps to engage with and educate our community about keeping children and young people safe.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv delivered the Diocese’s Statement of Commitment to Safeguarding in 2020.
“We have a zero tolerance to abuse of any form,” Bishop Vincent said.
“We are committed to ensuring that all children and vulnerable adults under our care are safe, protected and enabled to flourish.”
Catholic Care WSBM releases new Statement of Commitment
The Diocese’s not-for-profit social services agency, Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains (WSBM) has released its Statement of Commitment to Child Safety; outlining its ongoing commitment to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people.
Catholic Care WSBM works closely with the most disadvantaged and marginalised people in our society, including children and young people.
Its statement of commitment affirms its mission to provide child-safe and child-friendly environments “where children and young people are safe and able to actively participate in decisions that affect their lives.”
Kids’ Voices Art Competition raises child safety awareness
The Diocese launched its inaugural 2024 Kids’ Voices Art Competition in June, which sought to raise awareness among children and young people about child protection, with the theme ‘My Church community is a safe place for me’.
More than 400 people cast their ‘People’s Choice’ vote with respect to 115 vibrant artworks submitted by children and young people aged up to 19 years.
Winners will be announced shortly.
Following the competition, the Diocese will work with each of the winners to develop visual designs inspired by their artworks to raise further awareness about safeguarding among children and young people in an age-appropriate, sensitive way.
Bishop Vincent said the Diocese of Parramatta remains committed to safeguarding of children and adults at risk through:
- The Office of Safeguarding, which was established in 2014 to investigate and manage complaints and concerns within the Diocese
- A Prevention, Healing and Support Service established in 2015 to assist abuse survivors
- Ongoing training and education for staff, clergy and volunteers across the Diocese, including an online learning platform, face-to-face sessions and an extensive library of safeguarding resources
- Working closely with agencies and ministries that are directly committed to the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian Standards.
“The Diocese of Parramatta offers its unreserved and deepest apologies to survivors of abuse and their families for the hurt and suffering this abuse has caused throughout their lives,’ Bishop Vincent said.
“We are absolutely committed to ensuring that no child entrusted to our care is ever harmed again.”
Have a concern? Report it!
If you have concerns or complaints related to the conduct, behaviour, or actions of a member of the clergy, a staff member, a volunteer, or anyone within the church community, you can reach out to the Diocese of Parramatta’s Office for Safeguarding.
To find out more, please watch our video on YouTube, or visit our website.
