The Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne, as well as Indonesian Catholic Family-Archdiocese of Melbourne (ICF-M), hold the care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people as a fundamental responsibility of the Church. This commitment is drawn from and inherent to, the teaching and mission of Jesus Christ, with love, justice and the dignity of each human person at the heart of the Gospel.
The Archdiocese has implemented the new Safeguarding Children & Young People Policy, effective July 2019.
We published our code of conduct and statement of commitment and also professional standard unit includes, electronic communication including social media, physical contact, and photography and video of children and young people.
With regards to volunteers, the new policy mandates that all need to comply with two requirements to continue volunteering, namely:
- To undergo an induction process that incorporates safeguarding awareness to build a foundation of understanding and commitment to the safety of children and young people; and
- To obtain a Working with Children Check (and depending on the type of parish ministry, a Police Check).