Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults
The Archdiocese of Brisbane holds that children, young people and vulnerable adults are a gift from God with an intrinsic right to dignity of life, respect and security from physical and emotional harm. They are to be treasured, nurtured and safeguarded.
The parish, in line with the Archdiocese of Brisbane’s Safeguarding Policy, has zero tolerance for all forms of abuse and is committed to safeguarding all who interact with the parish through its activities, ministries and services, especially children and adults at risk.
Each Parish in the Archdiocese of Brisbane has a Local Safeguarding Representative who is responsible for:
- Making sure that the whole parish is aware of the importance of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults
- Promoting safe practices including articulating for others what is appropriate and inappropriate behaviour; and
- Assisting the Parish Priest and staff in the implementation of the Archdiocesan Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy in the Parish
The compliance officer for Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults at Annerley Ekibin Parish is Marie Melski. If you’d like to contact the local safeguarding representative, please contact the parish office (annek@bne.catholic.net.au). Alternatively, you can contact the Archdiocese directly.
The Archdiocesan Safeguarding Children &Vulnerable Adults Prevention & Protection Policy can be found at: https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/support/safeguard
Useful Links
- STOPline
Email: AOB@stopline.com.au
Phone: 1300 304 550 - Archdiocese of Brisbane
- Office for Safeguarding Services:
Email: safeguarding@bne.catholic.net.au
Phone: 07 3324 3752 - Safeguarding Resource Hub
- Professional Standards Office Queensland
- Safeguarding Training
WAYS TO REPORT A SAFEGUARDING INCIDENT OR CONCERN, OR TO GIVE FEEDBACK REGARDING SAFEGUARDING
Here is how you can report an incident or concern, or contact someone to talk about a safeguarding matter, or get more information:
- Talk to the police (Emergency: ‘000’ Non-emergency: 131 444) or KidsHelpLine (1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelpline.com.au)
- Through the anonymous STOPline (1300 304 550 or AOB@stopline.com.au)
- Please contact the parish office (annek@bne.catholic.net.au). Alternatively, you can contact the Archdiocese directly.
- fill out a Safeguarding Incident Report and send it to safeguarding@bne.catholic.net.au or GPO Box 282 Brisbane Qld 4001
VOLUNTEERS – Parish Ministries, Groups etc.
The Archdiocese of Brisbane has implemented standards of conduct for voluntary church workers to maintain a safe and healthy ministry environment. Our commitment to these standards requires that we have a record of your Blue Card and conduct background referencing for all who intend to engage in voluntary ministry having direct and regular involvement with children, young people and vulnerable adults.
- Safe Conduct Standards (Archdiocese of Brisbane)
- Prior Conduct Declaration (Archdiocese of Brisbane)
- Archdiocese of Brisbane Policy Whistleblower
SAFEGUARDING TRAINING
The Archdiocese of Brisbane has the following safeguarding training packages, Safeguarding Induction, Applied Safeguarding Training and Training for Local Safeguarding Representatives, which can be viewed here https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/safeguarding/safeguarding-training
BLUE CARD – ‘No Card, No Start’
Individuals must have a valid blue card before they start paid work or volunteer. All card holders must apply to renew their blue card before it expires in order to continue working/volunteering. If an individual lets their card expire, they will have to cease work until they obtain a new valid blue card. For further information about the Blue Card Application process, please click here >>
SEE ALSO
- Criminal History Statutory Declaration
- ‘Police Check’ can now be completed online via this link https://secure.policecheckexpress.com.au/intercheck/landing/1144/248550
- Online Police Checks – User Guide