Our Commitment to Keeping Children Safe

We show our commitment by

• Developing policies and procedures that are underpinned by a commitment to promoting the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children and young people 
• Conducting appropriate screening of all employees and volunteers  
• Child protection training for all staff at a level appropriate to their work 
• Having a clear and detailed code of ethics and conduct 
• Ensuring that CatholicCare embraces diversity and that its services are inclusive, accessible, and suitable 
• Providing professional guidance – all CatholicCare employees are supported by regular professional guidance. This provides opportunities for staff and carers to further develop awareness, knowledge, and skills in relation to safeguarding children 
• An established CatholicCare Child Safeguarding Committee – the committee adopts a ‘whole of agency’ approach to promoting the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children and young people 
• Participating in community engagement, partnerships, and advocacy - personnel work co-operatively with other agencies to improve the well-being of children and participates in relevant child related forums to promote and advocate for the safeguarding of children and young people 
• Conducting thorough intake and risk assessments relevant to the service being provided 
• Following all reporting requirements such as Mandatory Reporting and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Reporting Requirements 
• Providing child safe environments 
• Keeping children and young people's safety, welfare, and wellbeing at the heart of the services we develop and offer 
• Seeking feedback from clients, including children, and other stakeholders to improve CatholicCare's practices 
• Support and active engagement of National Child Protection Week 
• Regular review and improvement of our commitment to child safety 

National Child Safe Standards and The UN Convention on the rights of the child

CatholicCare, as an agency, and its personnel, individually, are committed to upholding the National Child Safe Standards and The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child are founded on respect for the dignity and worth of everyone, regardless of race, colour, gender, language, religion, opinions, origins, wealth, birth status or ability and therefore apply to every human being, everywhere. 

The four core principles of the UN Convention are:

• non-discrimination 
• devotion to the best interests of the child 
• the right to life, survival, and development 
• respect for the views of the child

CatholicCare Child Related Information and Policies

Responding to Complaints or Concerns regarding Child Safety

CatholicCare have a child friendly complaints process, which allows us to hear the voice of the child. 

In addition to internal processes, any concerns, feedback or complaints can be made here.

Websites and Resources

• Information and resources for parents on Child Safe Organisations.  
• Office of the Children’s Guardian oversee organisations to uphold children and young people’s right to be safe. 
• NAPCAN – National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect