Safeguarding in our Parish
Safeguarding is the measures taken to protect the safety, human rights and well-being of individuals, which allow people to live free from abuse, harm and neglect.
At its core, safeguarding is about promoting the safety and well-being of others, creating and maintaining safe activities and environments, and preventing abuse and harm.
National Catholic Safeguarding Standards
The Archdiocese has adopted and adheres to the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards. The Standards apply to all parishes, ministries, and agencies under the jurisdiction of the Archbishop.
The Standards are drawn from the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and came into effect in 2019.
The Standards are endorsed by the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference and Catholic Religious Australia
Safeguarding Framework
The purpose of the Archdiocesan Safeguarding Framework is to promote a culture of safeguarding within the Archdiocese and reduce the risks of abuse and harm.
The framework applies to all parishes, ministries, and agencies under the jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Brisbane and to all Archdiocesan workers (including clergy, religious, employees and volunteers).
Download a copy of the Archdiocesan Safeguarding Framework
Questions to Ask Your Parish about Safeguarding
More information including the policy and associated documents are available
All volunteers are required to complete the Archdiocesan Volunteer Data Form. Some ministries also require a blue card and a police check. All forms and are here.
Safeguarding Training
The Safeguarding Training module provides an in-depth examination of the Archdiocesan approach to safeguarding and explores best safeguarding practice and legal obligations.
New Laws to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse
The Queensland Government has implemented new laws to increase the protection of children from sexual abuse and which place new legal obligations on all adults in Queensland. It is important that all Archdiocesan volunteers have an understanding of those legal obligations.
Click on the below link to watch a short presentation on the new laws. The presentation aims to raise awareness of the laws, and the process for reporting child sexual abuse suspicions that arise while working for the Archdiocese.
Confirmation of Completion
A Confirmation of Completion form must be submitted to register completion of the training.
Hardcopy – Confirmation of Safeguarding Training Completion form
Once the form is completed please sign and send to our local Safeguarding Representative to be verified (signed) by the relevant parish, ministry or service and then recorded in the Archdiocesan information system.
IMPORTANT – Completed safeguarding training that is not properly registered will not be recognised for compliance.
Local Safeguarding Officer: Judy Seymour
Phone 07 3224 3609.
Professional Standards Office
Website: www.psoqld.catholic.net.au
Ph: 07 3336 9474 (Interstate Callers) or 1800 337 928
(free call – Qld callers only)
Email: [email protected]
Mail: GPO Box 3264, Brisbane Qld 4001
