Safeguarding Chancery & Parishes

The Diocese of Broken Bay recognises and apologises for the failings of the Catholic Church in the past. The Chancery & Parishes of the Diocese wishes to ensure survivors are welcomed to engage with us and tell their story, and that our response will provide the survivor with a sense of safe engagement and will take all concerns seriously.

The Chancery & Parishes of the Diocese will comply with civil requirements to report allegations of abuse to police and other authorities.

The Chancery & Parishes of the Diocese through its learnings from the past and current commitment to Safeguarding today wishes to build culture and raise awareness of safe communities.

Survivors have a right to seek legal advice and this is encouraged. Professional legal input may assist to make the most informed decision possible going forward. However, if this is not a feasible course of action, we welcome contact with the Safeguarding Office (Chancery & Parishes) who will discuss further options with you.

If anyone has been abused by a member of Clergy or Workers from the Diocese of Broken Bay we encourage them to bring their complaint forward and to consider the following pathways for redress:

NATIONAL REDRESS SCHEME:
The National Redress Scheme is in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and allows eligible survivors of institutional child sexual abuse to apply for redress in the form of monetary payments, counselling and support and direct personal responses from the responsible institution.

One of the key recommendations of the Royal Commission was that a National Redress Scheme be set up. This has been established as at 1 July 2018 and the Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay has applied to be a part of this Scheme. Visit the National Redress Scheme website for further information about the Scheme, or call 1800 737 377.

• you experienced sexual abuse when you were a child (under 18 years of age) and
• the abuse happened before 1 July 2018, and an institution was responsible for bringing you into contact with the person who abused you, and
• you were born before 30 June 2010, and
• you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

For more information on eligibility please click here.

CIVIL REDRESS:
If you are considering, or wish to commence, a claim for compensation in court and you are a person who has suffered child sexual abuse by Church personnel and are considering making a claim against the Diocese in relation to a claim of sexual abuse, we recommend obtaining legal advice about your options for compensation. Subject to the advice you receive, your lawyer may initiate contact with us directly in relation to the nature of your claim.

SUPPORT SERVICES
The Royal Commission have listed support services.

• The National Response Protocol is a framework for Catholic entities across Australia to respond consistently to people raising concerns or allegations of child sexual abuse.
• Catholic Social Services Australia is the national network of Catholic social services. The majority of their members provide counselling and support services.

• Support Services Brochure
• NSW Directory of Support Agencies
• List of support services on the Royal Commission website
• Knowmore An independent service with specialist trained staff to provide legal advice and information to help you consider your options about compensation, redress and other legal issues related to institutional child sexual abuse
• Lifeline 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention
• Headspace Mental health support for young people
• Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
• Child wise Toll-free national child abuse helpline – 1800 991 099
• Men’s Line Telephone and online counselling support for men
• 1800RESPECT National sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service
• Blue knot foundation Support recovery for survivors of childhood trauma
• Bravehearts An Australian support group
• Broken Rites An Australian support group
• Survivor & Mates Support Network (SAMSN) For men coping with the effects of childhood sexual abuse
• SNAP Survivors network
• NSW Ageing and Disability Commission
• Aged Care Complaints Commissioner
• Seniors Rights Service

The Diocesan community endeavours to provide a safe environment where children and young people’s rights, needs and interests are met.

The Royal Commission recommended 10 child safe standards, drawing on findings and extensive research and consultation about what makes institutions child safe. These standards have been adopted at a National level as the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. The Australian Catholic Church has also articulated a framework that promotes the safety of children, developed upon the 10 child safe standards. This framework provides the 10 National Catholic Safeguarding Standards (NCSS). The NCSS are designed to drive cultural and behavioural change and promote accountability and transparency of Catholic Church leaders and their ministries and services. (CPSL, 2018). The NSW Government has endorsed the child safe standards recommended by the Royal Commission. The OCG have produced a guide to the Child Safe Standards (PDF 7.5MB) to support organisations working with children to create, maintain and improve their child safe practices.

Working With Children Check
The Working with Children Check is only one way our Chancery & Parishes ensure those that access children act appropriately.

• Those roles that are required to have a WWCC under legislation including volunteers must apply for their own Working with Children Check which is valid for five years which is then verified.
• The Safeguarding Office (Chancery & Parishes) manages all Working with Children Check verifications for Clergy and Chancery paid workers who are in child related roles.
• Parishes manage all the Working with Children Check verifications for paid workers or volunteers in child related roles.
• All persons with a clearance will be continuously monitored by the Office of Children's Guardian.
• All Chancery & Parish workers in child related roles, including volunteers, are required to renew their Working with Children’s Check prior to the expiry date.