I have concerns about a person's behaviour towards a child or vulnerable adult. What do I do?
All incidents and concerns relating to Archdiocesan personnel that may be criminal should be reported directly to the Queensland Police Service . In Queensland there are criminal offences for grooming children for sexual conduct both in person and online.
If you reasonably suspect that a child is experiencing harm or at risk of harm or neglect, contact the Queensland Child Safety Services.
Matters that involve misconduct or breaches of Archdiocesan policies must be reported to the appropriate Archdiocesan personnel.
Under the Archdiocesan Whistleblower Policy, there is protection for those who share information about reportable conduct.
Anonymous reports can be submitted via STOPline.
If you reasonably suspect that a child is experiencing harm or at risk of harm or neglect, contact the Queensland Child Safety Services.
Matters that involve misconduct or breaches of Archdiocesan policies must be reported to the appropriate Archdiocesan personnel.
Under the Archdiocesan Whistleblower Policy, there is protection for those who share information about reportable conduct.
Anonymous reports can be submitted via STOPline.
Someone has shared an abuse disclosure or raised a safeguarding concern with me. What do I do?
All incidents and concerns relating to Archdiocesan personnel that may be criminal should be reported directly to the Queensland Police Service . In Queensland there are criminal offences for grooming children for sexual conduct both in person and online.
If you reasonably suspect that a child is at significant risk of harm or neglect, contact the Queensland Child Safety Services.
Matters that involve misconduct or breaches of Archdiocesan policies must be reported to the appropriate Archdiocesan personnel.
Under the Archdiocesan Whistleblower Policy, there is protection for those who share information about reportable conduct.
Anonymous reports can be submitted via STOPline.
If you reasonably suspect that a child is at significant risk of harm or neglect, contact the Queensland Child Safety Services.
Matters that involve misconduct or breaches of Archdiocesan policies must be reported to the appropriate Archdiocesan personnel.
Under the Archdiocesan Whistleblower Policy, there is protection for those who share information about reportable conduct.
Anonymous reports can be submitted via STOPline.
What if a person asks me not to share what they've told me?
The Archdiocese expects that all personnel to respond to abuse disclosures, safeguarding concerns and misconduct by Archdiocesan personnel. The first priority must be the safety and well-being of any person who is at risk. Sharing information on a `need-to-know` basis to authorities or relevant Archdiocesan personnel (e.g. Office for Safeguarding Services) for the protection of others is not a breach of confidentiality.
You cannot promise full confidentiality. It is best practice to advise the person that you may be obliged to share the information, as promising not to share a disclosure may result in further harm to others.
You cannot promise full confidentiality. It is best practice to advise the person that you may be obliged to share the information, as promising not to share a disclosure may result in further harm to others.
There is a convicted sex offender involved in my Parish/Ministry/Community. What do I do?
Whilst the Catholic Church welcomes all Christ’s faithful to worship God in the Church, it prioritises the protection of those who engage with the Church, and in particular children and vulnerable adults.
To this end, those who have criminally offended, harmed others, or exhibit harmful or serious challenging behaviours, and who seek to worship in the church may be asked to enter into a plan with the Archdiocese of Brisbane and the Parish/Ministry/Community which they attend for their safe participation.
Please contact the Office for Safeguarding Services as soon as possible for support and advice.
To this end, those who have criminally offended, harmed others, or exhibit harmful or serious challenging behaviours, and who seek to worship in the church may be asked to enter into a plan with the Archdiocese of Brisbane and the Parish/Ministry/Community which they attend for their safe participation.
Please contact the Office for Safeguarding Services as soon as possible for support and advice.
Are there Archdiocesan safeguarding requirements for third parties using Parish/Ministry/Community facilities?
Yes. Third parties who use Archdiocesan facilities for activities involving children and vulnerable adults must satisfy safeguarding requirements as stipulated by the Archdiocese. The Archdiocese expects Archdiocesan personnel to conduct sufficient due diligence on all third parties who use Archdiocesan facilities to ensure they have safeguarding practices in place. Safeguarding requirements should be stipulated in all facilities use agreements or memorandums of understanding.
Do I need to complete risk assessments for activities, ministries or services at my Parish/Ministry/Community?
Yes. The Archdiocesan Work Health & Safety Policy provides that all people entering any premises, facility or service within the Archdiocese are to be provided with a safe and healthy environment free from harm. It also states that, so far as reasonably practical, Archdiocesan personnel should ensure that no-one is placed at risk and that risks be eliminated or minimised in accordance with the Work Health & Safety Act 2011 (Qld).
The Archdiocesan safeguarding policy requires risk assessments be conducted on any activities or services involving children and/or vulnerable adults.
The Archdiocesan safeguarding policy requires risk assessments be conducted on any activities or services involving children and/or vulnerable adults.
Who do I contact about the Archdiocese of Brisbane's volunteer registration and accreditation requirements? (e.g. Blue Cards/Police Checks)
People & Culture (HR), with the advice of the Archbishop and Vicar General’s Office, set the volunteer registration and accreditation requirements under the matrix, including who is required to have Blue Cards and Police Checks.
For all queries regarding volunteer requirements contact the Volunteer Co-ordinator, People & Culture on:
Phone: (07) 3324 3106
Email: volunteers@bne.catholic.net.au
For all queries regarding volunteer requirements contact the Volunteer Co-ordinator, People & Culture on:
Phone: (07) 3324 3106
Email: volunteers@bne.catholic.net.au
What safeguarding training do I need to complete?
All Archdiocesan personnel, including clergy, religious, employees and registered volunteers, are required to view the Safeguarding Essentials Presentation (level 1).
Those who provide services to or engage in activities mainly with children/vulnerable adults, are also required to complete Applied Safeguarding Training (level 2).
Click on the factsheet below to find out more about each level of training and what levels apply to you.
Those who provide services to or engage in activities mainly with children/vulnerable adults, are also required to complete Applied Safeguarding Training (level 2).
Click on the factsheet below to find out more about each level of training and what levels apply to you.
| 2019 Safeguarding Training Factsheet AOB |
I have done child protection and/or safeguarding training elsewhere. Do I need to do the Archdiocesan safeguarding training?
Yes. The Archdiocesan safeguarding training explores the safeguarding policy, procedures and requirements which are specific to the Archdiocese and its ministries and services.
Will my Parish/Ministry/Community be subject to a safeguarding audit?
Yes. The Archdiocese conducts yearly external audits of parishes , ministries and communities to gauge compliance with its safeguarding policy & procedures. The Office for Safeguarding Services provides a safeguarding health check service to assist parishes, ministries and communities to achieve compliance with the safeguarding policy & procedures. The Archdiocese is also a signatory to the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and will be audited by Catholic Professional Standards Ltd against these standards. That audit will apply to all parishes, ministries, services and agencies within the Archdiocese, including Brisbane Catholic Education and Centacare Brisbane.
I've heard people talk about the `two-adult rule`. What is that?
The `two-adult rule` is a practical safeguarding strategy used by Parishes/Ministries/Communities to better promote the well-being and best interests of all who engage in Archdiocesan ministries and services. This rule involves there being at least two adults present at all times during any Parish/Ministry/Community activity or service involving children and vulnerable adults. Having at least two adults present:
- reduces the likelihood of harmful behaviour in the activity or service;
- provides greater help if there is an accident or emergency; and
- sends a clear message that children and vulnerable adults are important, valued members of the Parish/Ministry/Community.