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 vulnerable adults through the implementation of policies and activities to prevent, respond and report concerns regarding child 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. pdf See terms of reference (88 KB) . 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 child 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 vulnerable adults and has a zero tolerance for sexual 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. pdf Statement of commitment to Child Safety (117 KB)
2. pdf Policy - Safeguarding Children and Young People
(632 KB)    * pdf Appendix A: Children are safe, informed, and participate (195 KB)
   * pdf Appendix B: Code of Conduct (171 KB)
   * pdf Appendix C: Recruitment, screening, induction and training (201 KB)
   * pdf Appendix D: Risk Management, providing a safe environment (246 KB)
   * pdf Appendix E: Safeguarding and Complaints Management (238 KB)
   * pdf Appendix F: National Police Check Protocol (229 KB)
   * pdf Appendix G: Working with Children Check Protocol (223 KB)
   * pdf Appendix H: Child Safety Legislation in Vic and other Jurisdictions (160 KB)
3. pdf Children's Code of Conduct (78 KB)
pdf (4.30 MB) 4. Social Networking Policy
5. pdf Responding to Issues of concern (flowchart)
(57 KB) 6. pdf Guidelines for Managing High Risk Individuals
(751 KB) 7. pdf (751 KB) pdf Consent/Incident/Complaint form (72 KB)

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

Tips for Child Safe Organisations
• pdf A Guide to Supporting & Engaging, Listening and Communicating with Children and Young People
(1.28 MB) • CCYP Resources, Community of Practice
• Cultural Safety for Aboriginal Children
• Understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families
• Understanding Culture Safety in Child Safe Organisations
• Safety of Children with a Disability
• Safety of Children from Culturally and Linguistically diverse backgrounds
• pdf Introductory self-assessment tool – 10 National Principles (626 KB)
• pdf Empowerment and Participation of Children (7.57 MB)
• pdf “How to Guide” for engaging children and young people (8.65 MB)

 Resources for Parents and Carers
1. pdf Charter for children in out-of-home care
(87 KB) 2. pdf What to look for in a childsafe organisation (320 KB) pdf
(87 KB) 3. pdf Older children home alone (192 KB) pdf
(87 KB) 4. pdf (87 KB) pdf Other people looking after your child babysitters (180 KB) pdf
(87 KB) 5. pdf (87 KB) pdf Teach your child to keep themselves safe (188 KB)
6. pdf Listening to Children (348 KB)
7. pdf Guide for parents and carers (722 KB)

Resources for Online Safety
Stay Safe Online

Links
pdf ACSL final audit report – April 2021 (814 KB)
National Redress Scheme click to download the pdf NRS Application form 2018 (119 KB)
An overview of the Victorian child safe standards
Australian Catholic Safeguarding Limited
Integrity in Ministry
Integrity in the Service of the Church
Mandatory reporting
Truth, Justice, Healing Council
pdf A Guide for Creating a Child Safe Organisation Vers 5.0 (CCYP) (6.26 MB)
pdf Pathways Response Vic Ltd (444 KB)

Media

pdf Media Release: 21 December 2021 - Pathways Victoria  (218 KB)
pdf Media Release:  8 April 2021 - Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Welcomes Report of Safeguarding Audit (150 KB)
pdf Media Release:  7 February 2017 - Statement from Bishop Leslie Tomlinson - Royal Commission (553 KB)

To make contact with the Diocesan Safeguarding Committee
Ms Frances Browne (Chair)
M: 0400 505 464 | E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Further contact
Towards Healing help line    1800 816 030 (free call)
Professional Standards Resource Group (Victoria)
P.O. Box 6186
Mildura West   Vic. 3500.