Safeguarding is a term used to describe the protection of the welfare and human rights of people who are, in some way, connected with our ministry, particularly people who may be at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation.

Safeguarding is part of the Diocese of Parramatta’s duty of care.

The Diocese of Parramatta is committed to zero tolerance of abuse and, through ongoing education of all Diocesan staff and volunteers, remains focused on building child-safe communities throughout all Parishes that care for children and adults at risk.

The Diocese supports all Parishes with ongoing education, safeguarding training, an online learning platform, face-to-face sessions and an extensive library of safeguarding resources.

All volunteers in parish ministry are mandatory reporters. We also share in the collective responsibility to keep our parish safe.

Children may not understand your role, but they know that you do something for the Church. They will see you as a trusted person – that’s why a child or a vulnerable person may come to you for help.   This training is about giving you the knowledge to know what to do if a child at risk of harm puts their trust in you and chooses to ask you for help.

Volunteers in religious ministry are, by law, mandatory reporters. It is important then, you are kept up to date and supported so that you are clear on what your role is. This Module is designed to refresh your safeguarding training and update your knowledge of any legal amendments.

It is a legal requirement that all volunteers in Parish Ministry complete Safeguarding Training (Standard 7). It is also a part of our Catholic identity that we do all we can to look after all people in our parish family.