Safeguarding Children

Goal:

To provide maximum safety for children and young people through the implementation and monitoring of clear policies and procedures

Objectives:

1. Implement policies and procedures for safeguarding children and young people in all parishes throughout the diocese;
2. Promote awareness of policies and procedures for safeguarding children and young people in every parish;
3. Support those involved in safeguarding children and young people;
4. Review annually the implementation of policies and procedures for safeguarding children and young people at parish and diocesan level;
5. Ensure appropriate response to victims of clerical and diocesan child abuse.

Key Outcomes:

• Policies and procedures for the safeguarding of children and young people implemented in every parish;
• Details of diocesan policies on safeguarding children and young people available on the diocesan website;
• Policies and procedures for the safeguarding of children and young people updated annually;
• Greater awareness of the need for safeguarding children and young people throughout the diocese;
• Training and ongoing support provided to parish committees for the safeguarding of children and young people;
• Efficient systems of reporting and responding to allegations of child abuse by priests and diocesan personnel.