May our children flourish - Thomas the Apostle€¦ · Scope and application 10. The scope of this...

CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF MELBOURNE

May our children flourish

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CARING FOR CHILDREN

Catholic Archdiocese of MelbourneCode of Conduct for Caring for Children

Table of Contents and Definitions

1

CONTENTS

Definitions 2

Abbreviations 2

INTRODUCTION 3

Scopeandapplication 4

Children’sCodeofConduct 5

WorkingwithChildrenChecks 5

NationalPoliceRecordCheckPolicy 5

Developingawarenessofinappropriatebehaviour 6

ReviewofthisCodeofConduct 6

Compliance 6

Publication 7

CODE OF CONDUCT 7

Creatingapositiveenvironment 8

Providingasafeenvironment–mattersforconsideration 8

Appropriatebehaviourforadults 12

Promotingappropriatebehaviourbychildren 13

DEALING WITH BREACHES AND MATTERS OF CONCERN 14

Whatshouldyoureport? 14

Whomaymakeareport? 15

Howcanareportbemade? 15

Toreportsexualandotherabuse 16

Toreportallothermatters 16

Whathappenswhenareportismade? 17

Dealingwithdisclosuresbychildrenorareasonablebeliefthatabuseisormaybe occurringinasettingtowhichthisprotocolapplies 17

Flowchart–ReportingbreachesofthisCodeofConduct 18

RESOURCES AND FURTHER INFORMATION 19

Attachment:Children’sCodeofConduct 20

RevisedAugust2016.

Catholic Archdiocese of MelbourneCode of Conduct for Caring for ChildrenTable of Contents and Definitions

2

Definitions

ThefollowingdefinitionsapplytothisCodeofConduct:

Child:apersonwhoisundertheageof18years.ThroughoutthisCodeofConduct,anyreferencetoeither‘child’or‘children’isareferencetoapersonorpersonsundertheageof18.

Parent/guardian:hasitsordinarymeaning–thatis,apersonwhohastheauthorityandresponsibilityfortheday-to-daycareofachild.

Parish or diocesan activities involving children:includesanyactivityinvolvingchildrenthatisconductedororganisedby,orundertheauspicesof,aparishoragency(whichincludesdiocesanagenciesandauspicedbodies)oftheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourne,andanyactivityconductedbyotherpersonsorgroupsusingparishordiocesannameorproperty.Someexamplesofsuchactivitiesaregivenatparagraph11ofthisCodeofConduct.

Abbreviations

CAM CatholicArchdioceseofMelbourne

CEM CatholicEducationMelbourne

CYF Act Children, Youth and Families Act 2005

DHHS DepartmentofHealthandHumanServices(Victoria)

WWC Act Working with Children Act 2005

WWCC WorkingwithChildrenCheck

WWC Protocol CatholicArchdioceseofMelbourneWorkingwithChildrenProtocol

HR Office HumanResourcesOfficeoftheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourne

HR Manager HumanResourcesManageroftheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourne


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INTRODUCTION

1. TheChurch’ssocialdoctrineconstantlypointsouttheneedtorespectthedignityofchildren.‘Inthefamily,whichisacommunityofpersons,specialattentionmustbedevotedtothechildrenbydevelopingaprofoundesteemfortheirpersonaldignity,andagreatrespectandgenerousconcernfortheirrights.Thisistrueofeverychild,butitbecomesallthemoreurgentthesmallerthechildisandthemorethechildisinneedofeverything,whenthechildissick,sufferingorhandicapped.’1IndeeditwasJesuswho,whenhisdiscipleswerearguingamongthemselvesaboutwhowasthegreatest,directedhisattentiontoalittlechildandsaidtohisdisciples,‘Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me’(Mark9:37).

2. TheCatholicChurchvalueschildrenasanimportantpartofitslife.Italsovaluesandrespectsparentsasthefirstteachersofthefaithtotheirownchildrenandprotectorsoftheirchildren.

3. TheChurchengagesthecommunityinabroadrangeofactivitiesandstrivestomaketheseapositiveandrewardingexperience.WherechildrentakepartinChurchactivitiesitisofparamountimportancethatadultsplanningandguidingthoseactivitiesshouldcreateapositiveenvironmentthatiscaring,harmonious,safeandfreefromharm.InallChurchactivitiesahighstandardofbehaviourisrequired,andthisCodeofConductisintendedtocommunicatethestandardsexpectedofthoseentrustedwiththecareofchildren,orlikelytocomeintodirectcontactwithchildren,withintheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourne.

4. TheprinciplesofthisCodeofConductcancontributetobuildingastrongerChurchwherethosewhoworkwithinitmay,throughtheiractions,fosterrespectandresponsibilityandcreatearesilientsenseofChurchcommunity.

5. Churchactivitiestakemanyforms,includingthoseorganisedby,orfallingundertheauspicesof,aparishoragencyoftheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourne.Someactivitiesaremoreformalthanothers.Mostareonlypossiblethroughthetirelesseffortsofpriests,religiousbrothersandsisters,parishioners,othervolunteers,andparishanddiocesanemployees.

6. ThisCodeofConductisforallthosewhoworkorvolunteertoworkwithchildrenwithinanagencyorparishoftheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourne.Itisdesignedto:

a. PromotethewellbeingofchildreninvolvedinChurchactivities;

b. Assistpeoplewhoarrangeandparticipateinchildren’sactivities(andthosewhoengagethem),toplanandcarryouttheirworkwithconfidence;and

c. Provideaframeworkforparentsandguardiansbywhichtheymayhaveconfidenceintheconductoftheirchildren’sactivities.

7. ThisCodeofConductisintendedtobebroadinscopebutitcannothopetoexplicitlytreattheendlessvarietyofactivities,settingsandsituationsthatmightoccurinparishesandagenciesacrosstheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourne.Aprudentapproachisrequiredtoapplyittoparticularcircumstancesand,giventhebroadvarietyofactivitiesandpeopleintheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourne,whatisappropriateinonesetofcircumstancesmaynotbeappropriateinothers.ParishesmayneedtosupplementthisCodeofConducttoencompasstheirspecificcircumstances.IfyouareinanydoubtabouthowtoapplythisCodeofConductinyourparticularsituation,pleasecontacttheOfficeofProfessionalConductandEthicson0399265677orafterhourson0407694900.

8. ThisCodeofConductisnotintendedtocoverthoseactivitieswherethechildisunderthedirectcareandsupervisionofaparentorguardian,forexample,whenchildrenareattendingasocialgatheringafterMasswithaparentorguardian.

9. Itisexpectedthatallpersonswhoparticipatein(orcouldreasonablybeexpectedtoparticipatein)parishordiocesanactivitiesinvolvingchildrenwillreadthisCodeofConduct,seekfurtherinformationregardinganythingthatisnotunderstood,andcomplywithit.

1 ApostolicExhortation,Familiaris Consortio, 26


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Scope and application

10. ThescopeofthisCodeofConductisintentionallybroad.ItappliesthroughouttheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbournetoallpersonswhohave,ormaybeexpectedtohave,contactwithchildreninthecourseofanyparishordiocesanactivities.Thismayincludeparishioners,parents,volunteers,visitors,employees,contractors,religiousbrothersandsisters,andclergy.ItdoesnotapplytoCEMoranyCatholicsystemicschooltowhichthepoliciesofCEMapply.CatholicCare,whilesubjecttothispolicy,isinadditionsubjecttoitsownrangeofpoliciesinaccordancewithrequirementsformandatoryreportingofabuseandregistrationattheCommonwealthandStateGovernmentlevels,asanaccreditedCommunityServiceOrganisation.ThesepoliciesareavailablefromCatholicCareonrequest.

11. Parishordiocesanactivitiesthatinvolvecontactwithchildrenmayincludethefollowing.Thislistandtheseexamplesarenotintendedtobeexhaustive.

a. Activitiesorganisedorconductedatparishlevel,betheyonchurchlandorfacilitiesorelsewhere,includingassociatedcommunicationsoveranduseoftheinternetandtelephone.Thesemayincludechildren’sliturgies,youthgroupmeetings,preparationsforsacraments,andaltarservice.

b. Activitiesorganisedorconductedatadiocesanlevel,betheyonchurchlandorfacilities,orelsewhere,includingassociatedcommunicationsoveranduseoftheinternetandtelephones.Thesemayincluderetreats,youthgroupmeetingsandpilgrimages.

c. Activitiesconductedbyothergroupsusingparishordiocesanfacilitiesorland,orusingaparishordiocesanname.Thesemayincluderecreationalorsportingactivitiesbygroupsthatuseaparishnameorfacilities.

12. ThisCodeofConductappliesinadditiontoexistingpoliciesoftheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourne,includingthefollowingpolicies:

WorkingwithChildrenProtocol

FormoreinformationontheWWCProtocol,pleaseseeparagraphs16-20.

NationalPoliceRecordCheckPolicy

FormoreinformationonNationalPoliceRecordCheckPolicy,pleaseseeparagraphs21-22.

Acopyofthesepoliciesmaybefoundatwww.cam.org.au/Professional-Standards/Documents.aspx

13. ThisCodeofConductisintendedtocomplementtheprinciplesandstandardsthatapplytoclergyandreligiousbrothersandsisterssuchasthosesetoutinIntegrity in Ministry: A Document of Principles and Standards for Catholic Clergy & Religious in AustraliaandCodesofConductwhichmayapplytoemployees,contractorsorvolunteers.2

14. Thereportingprotocolssetoutatpage14ofthisCodeofConductareinadditiontoanymandatoryreportingrequirementsimposedundertheCYFActandtheVictorianCrimesAct1958.

a. PursuanttotheCYFActcertainprofessionalsincludingdoctors,nurses,teachers,schoolprincipals,police,socialworkersandpsychologistswhoformabeliefbasedonreasonablegroundsinthecourseofpractisingtheirprofessionthatachildisinneedofprotectionmustmakeareporttoDHHS.

b. PursuanttotheVictorianCrimesAct1958anyadultwhoformsareasonablebeliefthatasexualoffencehasbeencommittedbyanadultagainstachildundertheageof16yearshasanobligationtoreportthatinformationtothepolice,exceptingforafewlimitedsituations.

2 Acopyofwhichmaybefoundatwww.cam.org.au/Professional-Standards/Documents.aspx


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Children’s Code of Conduct

15. RelevantpartsofthisCodeofConductalsoapply(withanynecessarymodifications)tochildrenwhoareinvolvedinparishordiocesanactivities.Parishpriests,agencyheadsandthoseleadingactivitiesshouldmakechildrenawareofthestandardsintheChildren’sCodeofConduct,andshoulddisplayacopyoftheChildren’sCodeofConductatprominentplaceswithinparishesanddiocesanagenciesand,ifpractical,invenueswherechildren’sactivitiesareconducted.AcopyoftheChildren’sCodeofConductmaybefoundasanattachmenttothisCodeofConduct.

Working with Children Checks

16. ManypeoplewhoworkorvolunteerinChurchactivitiesthatinvolvechildrenarerequiredtoholdaWWCCundertheWWCActorundertheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourne’sWWCProtocol.Ifyouareparticipatinginorplanningchildren’sactivities,orifyouareresponsibleforotherswhoare,youshouldreviewtheWWCProtocolandensurethatyoucomplywiththerequirementsoftheWWCActandtheWWCProtocol.

17. ItisanoffenceundertheWWCActtoengagein‘childrelatedwork’(asdefinedintheWWCAct)withoutaWWCC.Responsibilityrestswithboththeindividualandthosewhoengagehimorher.

18. ItisthepolicyoftheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbournethatalladultsworkinginaparishsettingholdaWWCCwithverylimitedexceptions.Thisisintendedtocoveremployees,contractorsandvolunteers,andincludesclergy,seminarians,andreligiousbrothersandsisters.AdultswhoarestayingovernightwithchildrenshouldalwaysberequiredtoproduceaWWCC.TheWWCProtocolprovidesfurtherdetails.

19. AlwaysrememberthatthemerefactofholdingacurrentWWCCdoesnotofitselfimplythatapersonissuitabletocareforchildren.HoldingaWWCCsimplyindicates(ingeneralterms)thattheholderhasneitherbeenconvictedofcertainsexual,violentordrugrelatedoffences,norhaschargesforsuchoffencespending.Itdoesnotguaranteeorimplythatapersonhastheskillsorpersonalattributesofaresponsiblecarer.Clergy,parishstaff,volunteersandparentsmustmaintainconstantvigilanceinassessingthesuitabilityofallpersons(boththosewith,andthosewithout,aWWCC)fortakingchildrenintotheircare.Clergy,parishstaff,volunteersandparentsshouldnotdiscountthevalueoftheirinstinctsorobservations.

20. FormoreinformationregardingWWCC,pleaseringtheOfficeofProfessionalConductandEthics on0399265677orafterhourson0407694900.

National Police Record Check Policy

21. Attheparishlevel,aNationalPoliceRecordCheckiscompulsoryforevery:

a. Seminarianandpriest,includingamemberofaReligiousOrderoninitialandeverysubsequentappointment;

b. Priestfromanotherdioceseundertakingreligiousdutiesforaperiodinexcessofthreemonthsorwheretheanticipatedperiodislikelytobeinexcessofthreemonths;

c. Employee,contractor,volunteerandreligiousworkinginaparishsettingwhooccupiesapositionofleadershiporhandlesassets;

d. Adultswhoarestayingovernightwithchildren;

e. Adultswhoareregularlydrivingotherparishionersasvolunteersoftheparish;

f. Adultsvisitingthesickorelderlyintheirplaceofresidenceaspartoftheirparishministry.

22. TheNationalPoliceRecordCheckPolicyprovidesdetails.


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Developing awareness of inappropriate behaviour

23. Whilethewelfareofchildrenisafundamentalpriorityforthevastmajorityofourcommunity,itisincumbentonalladultstobevigilantaboutkeepingchildrensafefromharm.Anopenandawareculturewhereadultsandchildrenalikefeelabletoraisetheirconcerns,andcanseethatthoseconcernsareactedupon,isthebestprotectionforchildren.Likewise,anenvironmentinwhichparentsandguardiansareencouragedtobeinvolvedintheirchildren’sactivitiesaffordsalevelofopennessandaccountabilitythatmakesharmfulconductlesslikely.

24. Allthosewhodealwithchildrenshouldfamiliarisethemselveswiththetypesofbehaviourwhichmaybewarningsignalsofharmfulconduct.Parentsandguardiansinparticularhaveastrongprotectiveinstinctandshouldalwayspayheedtobehaviourthatoffendsthatinstinct.

25. Systematicinappropriatebehaviourcanbeobservedandrecognised.Itmaybeaprecursortoabuseandmayinclude:

a. Isolatinganindividual,givinghimorherundueattentionorprizedgifts;

b. Askingachildtokeepsharedsecrets;

c. Allowingachildtoparticipateinactivitiesthatareprohibitedsuchasdrinkingalcoholorusingillicitdrugs,andotheractivitieswhichcouldreasonablybeassumedtobeprohibitedbythechild’sparents/guardian;

d. Excessivetouching;

e. Ageinappropriateoremotionallyinappropriaterelationships.

26. Systematicbehaviourofthistypemaybedesignedtomakeachildfeelspecialandtocreateopportunitiesforabuse,oftenwhilegainingthetrustofthechild’sfamily.Itmayalsocreateanatmosphereofsecrecywhereachildwillfeelunableorunwillingtotellanyoneabouttheabuse.Suchtypesofbehaviourwithapersonundertheageof16arelegallydefinedasgrooming,andareanoffenceundertheVictorianCrimesAct,punishablebyupto10years’imprisonment.

27. Ifapersonwhoworksorvolunteerstoworkwithchildreninaparishoragencysettingwitnessessuchbehaviour(whetherinthecontextofactivitieswithinaparishordiocese,orelsewhere),thatpersonshouldactandreportittotheappropriateauthorities.Reportingproceduresforinappropriatebehaviourthatoccursinaparishordiocesansettingmaybefoundonpage14ofthisCodeofConduct.

Review of this Code of Conduct

28. ThisCodeofConductisintendedtobealiving,workingdocument.TheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbournewillreviewthisdocumentregularlyandwelcomesanycommentsorsuggestionsforimprovement.ThesemaybeforwardedtotheOfficeofProfessionalConductandEthicson99265677orProfessional.Standards@cam.org.au.

Compliance

29. EachparishwithintheArchdioceseofMelbourneshallconductanannualreviewofitsenvironmenttoensurethatitissafeforchildrenandcomplieswiththemeasuresoutlinedinthisCodeofConduct.Inaddition,eachparishleadershipcommitteeshouldhaveastandingitemontheagendaforChildSafetyreports.ThesereportsshouldincludeanybreachesofthisCodeofConductandnoteanyfollowupconsidered.


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Publication

30. AcurrentversionofthisCodeofConductandanA4-sizedsummarymaybefoundat www.cam.org.au/Professional-Standards/Documents.aspx

CODE OF CONDUCT

31. Thissectionsetsoutgeneralguidanceforadultswhoorganiseorconductchildren’sactivitiesorwhoareinvolvedwithchildrenintheirworkinaparishorintheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourne.ItisalsointendedtocommunicatetoparentsandguardianstheArchdiocese’sstandardsforchildren’sactivities.

32. ThissectionoftheCodeofConductisdividedintofourkeyparts:

Creatingapositiveenvironment Providingasafeenvironment Appropriatebehaviourforadults Promotingappropriatebehaviourbychildren

33. TheprinciplessetoutinthisCodeofConductareintendedtosupportandunderpinthepastoralcareroleofparishpriests,religiousbrothersandsisters,pastoralassociates,pastoralworkers,employees,contractorsandtheinvaluablecontributionofparishionersandothervolunteers.Theprinciplesaimtoaddressperceptionsofriskininteractionsbetweenchildrenandadultsandtoprovideguidanceastobehavioursandpracticesthatarebeyondreproach.Theyarenotintendedtounnecessarilyrestricttheworkofclergy,religiousandlaypeoplebuttopromoteanopenandaccountableenvironmentinwhichthedignityandsafetyofadultsandchildrenalikeareparamount.

34. Itisunderstoodthatinexceptionalcircumstances,suchasanemergencysituation,adeparturefromtheprinciplessetoutinthisCodeofConductmaybenecessaryorunavoidable.Wherethisisthecase,anydepartureshouldbetakeninsuchawayastoensuresafetyandaccountabilitytothemaximumextentpossible.ThismightincludereportingaproposeddeparturefromthisCodeofConductinadvancetoyourparishpriestoranotherappropriatepersonor,wherethisisnotpossible,reportingthedepartureimmediatelyafterward.Ifyouarenotsurewhotoreportsomethingto,pleaseseethereportingproceduresfrompage14ofthisCodeofConduct.Ifitisappropriatetomakearecordofanyincidentorcircumstance,youshouldusetheConfidentialIncidentRecordingFormwhichcanbelocatedatwww.cam.org.au/Professional-Standards/Sample-Forms.aspx.

35. Inmanycases,appropriatepreparationandplanningforyouractivitywillenableyoutoactinaccordwiththisCodeofConductandassistyoutomanageanyunexpectedcircumstancesshouldtheyarise.Dependingonthenatureofyouractivity,goodpreparationmayinclude:

a. Ensuringyouhavecontactdetailsforparents/guardiansandemergencycontactsifaparent/guardiancannotbecontacted;

b. Ensuringthatmedicalformshavebeenreturnedandcontingencyplansmadeforanychildrenwithaconditionthatmayputthematrisk.

c. Ensuringyouwillhaveasufficientnumberofsupervisors,eventoallowforemergencycontingencies,andcheckingthereisabalancedgenderratiowhereneeded.


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36. ItisacknowledgedthatnotallsituationsorissueswhichmightariseinallthevarietyofparishanddiocesanlifecanbeexplicitlycoveredbythisCodeofConduct.ItmaybenecessarytoadaptandapplytheprinciplessetoutinthisCodeofConducttoyourparticularcircumstances.Ifyourequireanyassistanceinpreparingforandplanningyouractivity,orinadheringtothisCodeofConduct,pleasecontacttheOfficeofProfessionalConductandEthicson0392675677.

Creating a positive environment

37. Theprotectionandpromotionofchildren’swellbeingistheresponsibilityofalladults.Adultswhoareinvolvedinchildren’sactivitieswithintheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourneoraparishoftheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourneareresponsibleforcreatingaharmoniousandnurturingenvironment.

38. Beapositiverolemodel.Children’sencounterswithadultsintheChurchmayhavelastingconsequences.Itisimportantforchildren’sformationthatsuchencounterscreateapositiveexperienceoftheChurch.AdultconductthatpositivelyembracesGospelbeliefsandvaluesisofparamountimportance.

39. Treatchildrenwithdignityandrespect;listentoandvaluetheirideasandopinions.

40. Wherepossibleandappropriate,involvechildrenindecisionmaking.

41. Rewardeffortsaswellasachievements,andprovidepraiseandpositiveencouragementwhereappropriate.

42. Respectchildren’sprivacy–forexampleavoiddiscussingachild’spersonalproblemsorsituationsinagroupsettingunlessthechildhasconsentedtoandfeelscomfortablewiththis.

Providing a safe environment – matters for consideration

Code of Conduct

43. DisplaytheA4summaryCodeofConductforCaringforChildrenwhichcanbelocatedat www.cam.org.au/caringforchildreninaprominentplaceattheparishoratyouragencyand,ifappropriate,inthevenuewhereactivitiesareheld.Asappropriate,ensurethatadultswhohavecontactwithchildrenwithinyourparishoragencyarefamiliarwithandunderstandthisCodeofConduct.

Planning

44. Whenplanninganactivity,considerthepossiblerisksassociatedwiththeactivityandhowlikelythoserisksaretoeventuate.Considerwhatactionsyoucantakeorhowyoucanstructuretheactivitytominimisethoserisksand,ifasituationshouldarise,tomanageiteffectively.Considereachcircumstanceonitsmerits.

Supervision

45. Ensurethatchildreninyourcareareappropriatelysupervisedatalltimes.

Adult/children ratio

46. Wherepossible,planallactivitiesonthebasisthatmorethanoneadultwillbepresentatalltimes.Considerhowmanyadultswillberequiredtoproperlycareforthechildrenattheactivity,takingintoaccountthechildren’sages,thenatureandlocationoftheactivity,andanychildrenwithspecialrequirements.


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Physical Environment

47. Ensurethatthephysicalenvironmentissafe,takingintoaccounttheageanddevelopmentallevelofchildreninvolvedinyouractivities.Forinstance,canyoungerchildrensafelybecontainedinanarea?Arethereanyobvioushazardssuchassharpedges,poisonousorhazardoussubstances,waterhazardsorsimilar?Takestepstomanageanyrisksyouidentify.

48. Wherechildrenareinvolvedwithadultsinaregularactivity,physicalstructuresshouldbereviewedandwherenecessarychanged.Otherthaninexceptionalcircumstancesthatwarrantspecialconsideration,dressingareasforchildrenshouldbegenderspecificandsegregatedfromadultareas.

Emergency procedures

49. Beawareofemergencyexitsandemergencyproceduresinyourparishoragencyandinyourimmediatephysicalenvironment.

50. Ensurethatatelephonewillbeavailableatalltimes.Ifyouareusingamobile,checkthatitisproperlychargedandassesswhetheryouarelikelytobeinrangeforemergencycallstotriplezero(000).Ifusinganout-of-rangemobile,dial112foremergencyaccessthroughanothermobilephonenetwork(ifoneisavailable).

51. AFirstAidKitshouldbeaccessibleinanyagencyorparishenvironmentutilisedbychildren.FamiliariseyourselfwiththelocationofFirstAidKitsandconsiderwhoistrainedinFirstAidandavailabletorespondinanemergency.

Parental consent

52. Ensurethatyouobtainappropriateconsentfromaparent/guardianforanyactivitiesforwhichchildrenarereleasedintoyourcare.Whatconstitutesappropriateconsentwillvarywiththenatureoftheactivity;forinstance,foraninformalactivitywhereaparent/guardianhandsthechildintoyourcareandremainsonthesamepremises(suchasachildren’sliturgywhichoccursatthesametimeasaparentorguardianisatMassinaChurchinthesamelocation),theconsentforthechildtoparticipatewhileinyourcarewouldusuallybeimplicit.Howeverforaformalactivitywherechildrenaretakentoalocationawayfromparents/guardiansandwhichisoflongerduration(suchasacamporovernightretreat),itisnecessarytoobtainformal,writtenconsentforthechildtoparticipate.Asamplewrittenconsentformmaybefoundatwww.cam.org.au/Professional-Standards/Sample-Forms.aspx.

Ifyourequireanyguidanceonobtainingconsent,pleasecontacttheOfficeofProfessionalConductandEthicson0392675677orafterhourson0407694900.

Emergency contacts

53. Ifachild’sparent/guardianwillnotbepresentornearbyduringyouractivities,ensureyouhavedetailsofeachparent’s/guardian’sname,addressandcontactphonenumbers.Inaddition,itisgoodpracticetoobtainatleastoneemergencycontactnumberotherthanthatofaparent/guardian.Keepthesedetailsaccessiblethroughouttheactivity.AsampleEmergencyContactsformmaybefoundatwww.cam.org.au/Professional-Standards/Sample-Forms.aspx.

Alcohol and drugs

54. Theprovisionoftobacco,alcoholorillicitdrugstoachildisunacceptableanduseofthesesubstancesbyachildinthecontextofaChurchactivitycannotbecondoned,norcanthemisuseofothermedication.

55. Nopersonwhoiscaringforchildrenorinvolvedinanyactivitywithchildrenshouldconsumeorbeundertheinfluenceofalcoholorillicitdrugsorhavemisusedothermedication.Itisnotappropriatetosmoketobaccowhileinthepresenceofchildren.


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56. Beawarethatsomeprescriptionmedicationmayadverselyaffectyourcapacitytoeffectivelysupervisechildrenandkeepthemsafe.

57. Medicationshouldnotbegiventochildrenwithoutwritteninstructionsfromaparentorguardian,unlessthisisdonebyadoctororparamedicinanemergencysituation.

Collection of children

58. Attheconclusionofactivities,releasechildrenonlyintothecareofaparent/guardianorthepersonwiththeexpresspermissionoftheparentorguardian.Ifyouareusingthesampleformat www.cam.org.au/caringforchildrentoobtaincontactdetails,itshouldbeusedtoaskparents/guardianstoindicatewhomay(andmaynot)collectthechild.

59. Forolderchildrenwhereaparent/guardianconsentstothechildleavingtheactivityunsupervised,ensurethatappropriatearrangementsareinplaceforthemtoreturnhome.Ifyouareinanydoubtabouttowhomyoumayreleasethechild,orwhetherhisorherarrangementsforleavingaresafeandappropriate,youshouldalwayscheckwiththechild’sparent/guardian.

60. Ifyouaretakingachildhomeattheendofanactivity,ensurethataparent/guardianhasgivenconsent(whetherverbalorwritten)andthat,asageneralrule,youarenotalonewiththechild.

Medical conditions

61. Theparagraphsbelowconstitutegeneralguidelinesabouttheprocessyoushouldfollowifyouarecalledupontocareforachildwhoisatparticularriskduetoamedicalcondition.Thisprocesswillassistincreatinganenvironmentwheremedicalconditionsmaybeeffectivelyplannedforandmanaged.Theseparagraphsarenotintendedtoreplaceprofessionalormedicaladviceforspecificcircumstances,buttopromptthosecaringforachildwithamedicalconditiontoseekguidancefromthechild’sparents/guardiansandfromappropriateauthorities,andtoputinplaceanappropriateindividualmanagementplan.

62. Youshouldalwaysaskparents/guardianspriortothecommencementofanyactivitywhethertheirchildhasanymedicalconditionofwhichyoushouldbeaware(forinstance,asthma,allergies,andanaphylaxis)and,ifso,whatparticularcareisrequired.Exceptincircumstanceswheretheparentorguardianisinattendance,suchasduringChildren’sLiturgy,askparents/guardianstocompleteaform.Keepcompletedformsaccessiblethroughouttheactivity.AsampleMedicalConditionsFormmaybefoundat www.cam.org.au/Professional-Standards/Sample-Forms.aspx.

63. Ifachildhasaconditionthatrequiresparticularcare,anappropriateindividualmanagementactionplanshouldbepreparedandimplemented.Youwillneedtoconsider:

a. Areyouabletoputinplacearrangementstominimiseorremovetherisktothatchild,suchasensuringthatsubstancesthatcancauseallergies(forexample,nutsandnutproducts)arenotat,orbroughtto,theactivity?Speaktothechild’sparentsandseekmedicalguidanceaboutwhatarrangementsaresuitableforthecondition.

b. Areyou(oranotheradultwhowillbeavailablethroughouttheactivity)appropriatelyqualified,willingandcompetenttoproperlycareforthechild,andtodealwithanemergencysituationshoulditarise?Forinstance,ifyouarecaringforachildatriskofanaphylaxis,haveyouputinplaceanemergencyanaphylaxisactionplanandareyouoratleastoneotheradulttrainedintheadministrationofanEpipen(orsimilardevice)?


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c. Ifnot,youwillneedtoconsiderhowtomakeappropriatearrangementsforthechild’scare.Youwillneedtodiscussthiswiththechild’sparents/guardianandmayneedtoseekprofessionalguidance.

Practicalsolutionsmaybefound,forinstance:

(i) Ifyouarecaringforachildatriskofanaphylaxis,aparent/guardianmightagreetoremainwiththechildduringtheactivity.

(ii) Adoptano-sharing-of-foodpolicyandanut-freepolicyparticularlywheretherearechildrenatrisk.

(iii) Somecarerswhoregularlycareforchildrenatriskmightchoosetoundergoappropriatetraining.

d. Whenyouhaveformulatedanindividualmanagementplan,itisagoodideatowriteitdownandkeepitaccessiblethroughoutyouractivity.Ensurethatthechild’sparents/guardianaresatisfiedwiththeplanandthatallotheradultswhomaybecalledontosupervisethechildareawareoftheplan.

64. Ifyoucannotputappropriatearrangementsinplacetocareforthechildyouwillneedtospeaktothechild’sparent/guardianaboutwhetheritissafeforthechildtoparticipateintheactivity.Thisisnotintendedtoplaceunnecessaryrestrictionsonchildrenwithparticularconditionsbutrathertoensurethattheirsafetyisalwaystheparamountconcern.

65. Ifyouhaveanyquestionsaboutmakingappropriateandsafearrangementsforchildrenwithmedicalconditionsorallergies,pleasecontacttheOfficeofProfessionalConductandEthicson0392675677orafterhourson0407694900.Furtherinformationaboutsomeparticularconditionsmaybefoundat: www.allergy.org.auandwww.asthma.org.au.

Food hygiene

66. Ifyouractivitywillinvolveeatingorsharingfood,ensurethatappropriatefoodhygieneismaintained,including,forexample,keepingfoodrefrigeratedwherenecessaryandadultsandchildrenwashinghandsbeforehandlingfood.Ifanychildinyourgrouphasafoodallergyorintoleranceyouwillneedtoputinplacearrangements(asdiscussedinparagraph63)topreventthechildcomingintocontactwiththefood.

Sun protection

67. Considerwhethersunprotectionwillbenecessaryand,ifso,makeappropriatearrangements.Sunscreenandahatshouldbewornbyadultsandchildrenwhenexposedtothesun.

Use of the internet3

68. Allparishordiocesaninternetservices(andparticularlythosewhichmaybeusedbychildrenoryoungpeople)shouldhaveappropriatefilteringdevicesinplace.Ifusingservicesprovidedbyotherorganisations,ensurethatfilteringdevicesareinplace.

69. Educatechildreninsafeandresponsibleinternetpractices.Thesameprinciplesthatapplytorelationshipsandconductgenerallyapplytoonlinesituations;forinstance,childrenshouldneverarrangetomeetsomeonetheyhavemetonlineinachatroomorsocialnetworkingsiteandmustnotaccesssitescontainingpornographicmaterial.Makeitclearthatbehaviourthatisunacceptableorunsafeofflineisalsounacceptableorunsafeonline.Formoreinformation,pleaseseewww.cybersmart.gov.au.

70. Aswithanyunlawfulbehaviour,anyillegalactivitiesconductedovertheinternetorthroughuseofacomputershouldbereportedtoVictoriaPoliceandtotheappropriateChurchauthorityinaccordancewiththisCodeofConduct.

3 Guidanceonappropriateconductwhenusingsocialmediamaybefoundatwww.cam.org.au/policies.


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Appropriate behaviour for adults

71. Itisbestpracticetoalwayshaveanotheradultwithyou(oratleastwithineyeshot)whenyouarewithachildorchildren,and/ortohaveotherchildrenpresent.Avoidbeingalonewithachildorchildrenunlessanopenandsupervisedenvironmentcanbemaintained.

72. Activities,whichbytheirverynaturegiverisetoone-on-onechild/adultencounters(suchastheSacramentofReconciliation),shouldbeconductedinamannerandspaceinclearviewofotherpeople.Thiscreatesanenvironmentthatsafeguardsboththechild’swellbeingandtheadult’sintegrity.

73. Donottouchachildinaninappropriateorunnecessaryfashion.Inparticular,donottouchbreasts,buttocksorgroin,andavoidtouchingorbehaviourwhichcouldbeconstruedassexual.

74. Anystepsyoutaketomanagedisruptiveorunsafebehaviourshouldnotdegradeorisolateachild.Corporalpunishmentisneveracceptable.

75. Ifachild’sbehaviouriscausingimmediatedangertothosearoundhimorher,youshouldaskforassistanceand,ifnecessary,contactpolice.Physicalrestraintshouldonlybeusedasalastresortorinanemergency.

76. Whencaringforchildrenoryoungpeopleyouareinapositionoftrustandauthority.Takecarenottoforminappropriaterelationshipswithachild;forinstance,byplacingyourselfinapositionwhereachildmaycometorelyonyouemotionally,orbyattemptingtoactasasurrogateparent.Itisalwaystheresponsibilityoftheadult,notthechild,tosetappropriateguidelinesandboundaries.

77. Favouritismtoanyparticularchild;forinstance,throughgiftsorcontinuallyshowinggreaterattentionthanisgiventoothers,shouldnotoccur.

78. Itisgenerallyinappropriatetospendtimealonewith,orarrangetomeet,achildorchildrenoutsideparishordiocesanactivities,ortocontactthemthroughsocialnetworkingsitesorthroughmobilephones(suchastexting).However,wherecontactneedstobemadethroughasocialnetworkingsite,contactshouldbelimitedtothegroupsite.Whereanindividualchildneedstobecontactedbymobilephone,permissionshouldfirstbegrantedbytheparent/guardian.Whereemailingachild,theparishpriest,activityleaderand/orparentsorguardianshouldbecopiedintotheemail.Atnostageshouldprivatetopicsbediscussed.Donotacceptorofferfriendstatusonsocialnetworksitesfromachildforwhomyouhaveadutyofcare.

79. Avoidprovidingassistanceofapersonalnaturethatthechildcanmanageforhimorherself(suchasusingthetoiletorchangingclothes)exceptwherethechild’sdevelopmentallevelorincapacityissuchthatheorsherequiresassistance.Ensurethepresenceofanotheradultinsuchcircumstances,ideallyofthesamegenderasthechild.

80. Whereactivitiesinvolveovernightstays,anelevatedlevelofcareinchoosinggroupleadersisrequired.Adultswhoarestayingovernightwithchildrenneedtobepersonsworthyofthegreattrustplacedinthemand,asnotedinparagraphs16-22,shouldalwaysberequiredtoproduceanewPoliceCheck4andacurrentWWCC.

4 oraPoliceCheckobtainedwithinthepast12monthsaccompaniedbyaStatutoryDeclarationconfirmingtherehavebeennocomplaintsregardingprofessionalstandardsmadeagainstthepersonfortheinterveningperiod


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81. Thefollowingguidelinesshouldbefollowedforovernightsleepingarrangements,havingthoughtfulregardtotheactivity:

a. Dependingontheagesofthechildren,butalwaysinthecaseofteenagers,malesandfemalesshouldsleepinseparaterooms.

b. Ifsupervisingadultsaretosleepinthesameroomaschildren,morethanoneadultshouldalwaysbepresent.

82. Alwaysobtainthepermissionofaparent/guardianbeforeusingachild’sname,imageorotherrecordinanyreport,websiteorotherpublication.Asampleformforthispurposemaybefoundat www.cam.org.au/Professional-Standards/Sample-Forms.aspx.

83. Takecarenottoswearoruseoffensivelanguagewithinearshotofchildren.

84. Avoidbehavingorspeakinginamannerthatmayembarrassorhumiliate.

85. Donotplacechildreninapositionwheretheywillinevitablybealonewithanadult,exceptinemergencysituationswherecommonsenseshouldprevailandabalancingofriskswillneedtobemade.

86. Adultsshouldbesensitivetothedifferentneedsandrestrictionsonbehaviourofchildrenfromindigenousorotherculturalbackgroundsandthosewithspecialneeds.

87. Ifyoubecomeawareofcircumstancesthatcauseyoutobelieveorsuspectthatachildisbeing,orisatriskofbeing,harmed,whetherphysically,emotionallyorpsychologically;issufferingfromseriousneglect;isbeingsexuallyabusedorexposedtoviolence,youshouldactinaccordancewiththisCodeofConduct.IfyouaredesignatedasamandatoryreporterundertheCYFActyoumaybelegallyrequiredtomakeareporttoDHHS.Ifnot,youmayneverthelessberequiredundertheVictorianCrimesAct1958tomakeareporttoVictoriaPoliceiftheallegedsexualabuseisofachildunder16yearsofage.

Promoting appropriate behaviour by children

88. DisplaytheChildren’sCodeofConduct,whichmaybefoundastheAttachmentattheendofthisdocument,inyourparishoragencyandinvenueswherechildren’sactivitiesareheld.DiscusstheChildren’sCodeofConductwithchildrenandfamiliarisethemwithitscontents.Ensuretheyknowhowandtowhomtheycanreportanythingaboutwhichtheyareconcerned.Adultsshouldbesensitivetothedifferentneedsandrestrictionsonbehaviourofchildrenfromindigenousorotherculturalbackgroundsandthosewithspecialneeds.

89. Providechildrenwithguidanceaboutwhatconstitutesacceptablebehaviour.Thiswillvarywiththeagegroupanddevelopmentallevelofthechildreninyouractivity.Itmaybeusefultodiscussacceptableandunacceptablebehavioursappropriatefortheiragegroup.

90. Ifchildrenactoutsideacceptablelimits,useverbaldirectionstomanagebehaviour.

91. Achild’sbehaviour(whetherverbal,physical,psychologicalorsexual)whichcouldbeconstruedasbullyingisnotacceptable.


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92. Whereachild’sbehaviourisdisruptivetothegroupactivity,unsafe,orotherwisebreachestheChildren’sCodeofConduct,youwillneedtotakestepstomanagethebehaviour.Thestepsyoutakeshouldbeappropriatehavingregardtothecircumstances,behaviourandageofthechild.Appropriatestepsmayinclude:

a. Directingotherchildrenawayfromadangerousordisruptivesituation;

b. Discussingthebehaviourwiththechild,andaskinghimorhertostop;

c. Givingthechildanopportunitytoexplainhisorherbehaviour;

d. Discussingtheconsequencesofthebehaviourwiththechild;

e. Askingforassistancefromotheradults;

f. Removingthechildfromtheactivitytoanothersupervisedenvironment;

g. Ifthebehaviourcontinues,callingthechild’sparent/guardianandaskingthemtoremovethechildfromtheactivity.

93. Childrenshouldbemadeawareofthestandardofbehaviourtheyareentitledtoexpectfromsupervisingadultsandfromotherchildrenparticipatingintheactivity.

DEALING WITH BREACHES AND MATTERS OF CONCERN

94. TheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourneaimstodealwithallreportsunderthisCodeofConductfairlyandappropriately,andtoactonthefollowingprinciples:

a. PromotingapositiveexperienceoftheChurchandcreatingastrongcommunityoffaith;

b. Preventingmisconductwherethisispossible;

c. Ensuringfairprocessforpersonsagainstwhomallegationsaremade;and

d. Dealingeffectivelywithanyallegationswhicharesubstantiated,includingrespondingcompassionatelytoanyonewhohasbeenaffected.

95. Aflow chartsettingouthowandtowhomtomakereportsmaybefoundatpage18.

What should you report?

96. YoumaycomeacrosspossiblebreachesofthisCodeofConduct,ormattersthatcauseyouconcern,inanynumberofways.Thesemightinclude:

a. Adisclosuremadetoyoubyachild;

b. Observingeventsthatcauseyoutoformanobjectivelyreasonablebeliefthatachildisbeingharmedorabused,orisatriskofbeingharmedorabused(whetherbyafamilymemberorbyanotherperson);or

c. Beingpresentandwitnessinganeventorincident.

97. Alternatively,anincidentmayoccurduringanactivityyouareresponsiblefor,suchas:

a. Achildbeinglost;

b. Achildbeinginjured;or

c. Amedicalemergency.


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98. Regardlessofthewayinwhichanissuearises,youshouldalwaysreportcircumstancesthatcauseyouconcernandyoushouldcertainlyalwaysreport:

a. AnymaterialbreachofthisCodeofConduct;

b. Anyincidentinwhichachildisseriouslyharmedorgoesmissing;

c. Anyemergencysituationincludingamedicalemergency;

d. Anyhazardorriskofharmtoachildthatisnotbeingadequatelyaddressed;

e. Anyallegationofsexualmisconduct;*

f. Anydisclosurebyachild,oranobjectivelyreasonablebeliefyouhaveformed,thatachildisbeingabusedorisatriskofabuseofanykind;*

g. Anyallegationofviolenceinflictedbyanadultuponachild;*

h. Anyallegationinwhichanadulthasbeenundertheinfluenceofdrugs(illicitormisusedmedication)oralcoholwhileresponsibleforchildren;

i. Anyincidentinwhichachildhasbeenseriouslyharmedorinjured(eitherphysicallyorpsychologically)orisatriskofharmorinjury;*

j. Anyallegationofconductwhichisormightbeunlawful;*and

k. AnyconductwhichwouldormightgiverisetoamandatoryrequirementtoreportundertheCYFActortheCrimesAct1958.

99. Ifyouarenotsurewhethertoreportamatter,pleasecontacttheOfficeofProfessionalConductandEthicson0399265677orafterhourson0407694900.

Who may make a report?

100. Anypersonmaymakeareport.Ifanallegationinvolvessexualorotherabuseofachildyoushouldnotinvestigatethematteryourself,orraiseitwithparents/guardiansortheallegedabuserdirectly.Youshouldreportthematterusingtheproceduressetoutinparagraphs101-110.

How can a report be made?

101. IfyouwouldlikeanyguidanceabouthowtoreportabreachofthisCodeofConductoramatterofconcern,pleasecontacttheOfficeofProfessionalConductandEthicson0399265677orafterhourson 0407694900.TheprocessforreportinganddealingwithanyconcernsorbreachesofthisCodeofConductwillvarydependingonthetypeofconductandwhoisresponsiblefortheconduct.

102. AConfidentialIncidentRecordingFormmaybeusedtorecorddetailsofanyincidentormatterofconcern.Asampleformforthispurposemaybefoundatwww.cam.org.au/Professional-Standards/Sample-Forms.aspx

103. NothinginthisCodeofConductrestrictstherightofanypersontoreportanymattertothepoliceorotherauthorities.

* ThesemattersshouldbebeimmdeiatelyreportedtoVictoriaPolice.ForfurtherinformationregardingthemandatoryreportingrequirementsunderCYFAct,pleaseseewww.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/cyafa2005252/.ForfurtherinformationregardingthemandatoryreportingrequirementsundertheVictorianCrimesAct1958,pleaseseewww.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/ca195882/s327.html;orcontacttheOfficeofProfessionalConductandEthicson 99265677orafterhourson0407694900.


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To report sexual and other abuse

104. ConductthatisormaybeillegalshouldbereportedtoVictoriaPolice.

105. SexualmisconductbyChurchpersonnelshouldbereportedtotheIndependentCommissioner,whoseofficehasbeenestablishedbytheArchbishopofMelbournetoenquireintoandadvisehimwithrespecttoallegationsofsexualmisconductbyanypriestoftheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourne,andreligiousandlaypersonsworkingandvolunteeringwithintheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourne.

106. TheRoleoftheIndependentCommissionerandtheproceduresthatwillbefolloweduponthereceiptbyhimofacomplaintcanbelocatedatwww.cam.org.au/Professional-Standards/Melbourne-Response.aspx.

107. NothinginthisCodeofConductisintendedinanywaytoaffecttheroleoftheIndependentCommissionerortheabilityofanypersontomakeorreferacomplainttotheIndependentCommissioner.

108. TheIndependentCommissionermaybecontactedat0392257979.

To report all other matters

109. AllmattersotherthanthosewithinthepurviewofVictoriaPolice,DHHSortheIndependentCommissionershouldbereportedasfollows:

a. Any matter that arises within a parish shouldbereportedinthefirstinstancetoyourparishpriest(unlessthematterinvolvestheparishpriest,inwhichcaseitshouldbereportedinaccordancewithparagraph110).Theparishpriestwilllistentotheallegationsanddecidewhatactiontotakeinaccordancewiththeproceduresbelowatparagraph112.If,afterareasonabletimehaselapsed,youarenotsatisfiedwiththeparishpriest’sresponsetoyourreportyoumaythenreferthemattertotheVicarGeneraloftheArchdioceseofMelbourne0399265677orvicar.general@cam.org.au.

b. Any matter that arises within an agency of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne should bereportedinthefirstinstancetotheheadoftheagency(unlessthematterinvolvestheagencyhead,inwhichcaseitshouldbereportedinaccordancewithparagraph110).Theagencyheadwilllistentotheallegationsanddecidewhatactiontotakeinaccordancewiththeproceduresbelowatparagraph112.If,afterareasonabletimehaselapsed,youarenotsatisfiedwiththeresponsetoyourreport,youmayreferthemattertotheHROfficeon0399265677orhuman.resources@cam.org.au.

110. Mattersrelatingtoparishpriests,agencyheads,oranyothermattersshouldbereportedasfollows:

a. Any report that relates to a parish priest shouldbereportedinthefirstinstancetotheVicarGeneralon0399265677orvicar.general@cam.org.au

b. Any report that relates to an agency head shouldbereportedtotheHROfficeon0399265677orhuman.resources@cam.org.au.

c. Any other matter maybereportedtotheHROfficeon0399265677or [email protected].

Reportswillbedealtwithinaccordancewiththeproceduresatparagraph112.


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111. Any medical emergency, a missing child, or any other emergency situation shouldbereportedinthefirstinstancetotheappropriateauthorities(suchaspolice,fireorambulancebydialling000).Assoonaspossiblethereafter,thechild’sparent/guardianshouldbenotifiedandareportshouldbemade(atthelatestwithin24hours)[email protected].

What happens when a report is made?

112. Whenareportismadeinaccordancewithparagraph105,thepersonreceivingthereportshall:

a. Listencarefullytothereportandensureitisfullyunderstood;

b. ConsiderwhetheritisappropriateornecessarytoadviseotherswithintheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourneortoinformrelevantauthorities;

c. Determinewhatactionwillbetaken(ifany);

d. Documentallactiontaken;and

e. Maintaintheconfidentialityofallparties(includingthepersonmakingthereport,andanypersontowhomthereportrelates)atalltimestotheextentthisispossible.Insomecases,itmaybenecessarytoinformrelevantauthoritiesorotherswithintheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourneorthepersontowhomthereportrelates.Dependingonthenatureoftheallegationitmaybenecessaryto:

(i) Informthepolice,ifthebehaviourisormightbecriminal;

(ii) ConsiderwhetheramandatoryreportmustbemadetotheDHHSundertheCYFAct;

(iii)MakeorreferareporttotheIndependentCommissioner.

Dealing with disclosures by children or a reasonable belief that abuse is or may be occurring in a setting to which this protocol applies

113. If:

a. Achildmakesadisclosuretoyouthatsexual,physicalorpsychologicalabuseisoccurring,or

b. Youformanobjectivelyreasonablebeliefthatachildisbeingharmed,orisatriskofbeingharmed,

youshouldimmediatelyreportthemattertoVictoriaPolicewhowilladviseyouonthenextstepstotake.

114. Beawarethatthechildmaybefeelingashamed,guiltyandscared,andmaybeworriedabouttheconsequencesoftellingsomeoneabouttheabuse.Staycalmandlistencarefullytothechild.Tellthemyoubelievethemandthattheydidtherightthingbytellingyou.Donotmakepromisesyoucannotkeepsuchaspromisingthatyouwillnottellanyoneelse.

115. Toassistthechild,itmaybenecessarytoprovidesomepsychologicalsupportand/orcounsellingortoensurethatsuchcounsellingisavailabletothechild.


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Flow chart – Reporting breaches of this Code of Conduct

Istheconductcriminalormayitbe?

No

If any possibility of illegality, immediately report to Victoria Police.

ConsiderwhethermandatoryreportingobligationspursuanttotheCYFActapplyandifso,reporttoDHHS.

Yes

Reportmatterasfollows:

(a) Forparishmatters,reporttotheparish priest(unlessmatterrelatestoparishpriest,inwhichcaseseeparagraph(c)below)

(b) Foragencymatters,reporttoagency head(unlessmatterrelatestoagencyhead,inwhichcaseseeparagraph(c)below)

(c) For

• anymatterrelatingtoaparishpriest,reportto Vicar General;

• anymatterrelatingtoanagencyhead,reportto HR OfficefortheArchdiocese;

• allothermatters,reporttoHR ManagerfortheArchdiocese.

(d) anyemergencies,reportto000,thenwithin24hourstoparent/guardianandtoHR OfficefortheArchdiocese

Referparagraphs109-111.

Ifyourreportwastoaparishpriestoragencyhead,haveyoureceivedasatisfactoryresponse?

No

Youmayreferyourreport:

• totheVicar General,ifyourinitialreportwastoaparishpriest;or

• totheHR OfficefortheArchdiocese,ifyourinitialreportwastoanagencyhead.

Referparagraph109.YesMatterfinalised


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RESOURCES AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Reporting HR Office [email protected]

Vicar General’s Office [email protected]

Office of the Independent Commissioner

MrPeterO’CallaghanQCOwenDixonChambersWest,RoomLevel18,Room15,205WilliamStreet,MelbourneTelephone:0392257979

Information and advice

Office of Professional Conduct and Ethics

Telephone:0392675677Afterhours:0407694900

Documents produced by the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne

WWC Protocol www.cam.org.au/policies

National Police Record Check Policy

www.cam.org.au/policies

This Code of Conduct www.cam.org.au/caringforchildren

New laws for the protection of children in Victoria

www.cam.org.au/Professional-Standards/Child-Protection-legislation.aspx

Other publications Protecting the Safety and Wellbeing of Children and Young People

www.education.vic.gov.au/documents/school/principals/spag/safety/protectionofchildren.pdf


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Iwill:

1. Treatallwithrespectandkindness

2. Listentowhatotherpeoplehavetosay

3. Notuserudeoroffensivelanguage

4. Nothurt,abuse,bully,teaseanyoneelseorforminappropriaterelationships

5. Nothaveorusetobacco,alcoholorbanneddrugs,ormisuseothermedication

6. Listentoallinstructionsgivenbytheadultleadingmyactivityandfollowtheruleswhichareformysafety

7. TellanadultwhoItrustaboutanythingthatmakesmefeelworried,afraidorunsafe

8. Makesurethatanadultleadingmyactivityknowsmywhereaboutsatalltimes

9. Treatotherpeople’spropertywithrespect

10. Alwaystrymybesttoparticipate

11. DonotbealonewithanyadultwhoisnotmyparentunlessIamwithinsightorhearingofotherpeople.

Attachment: Children’s Code of Conduct

CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF MELBOURNE

CardinalKnoxCentre383AlbertStreet

EastMelbourne,VIC3002

Postal Address:P.O.Box146,EastMelbourne,VIC8002

Tel: (03) 9926 5677

May our children flourish - Thomas the Apostle€¦ · Scope and application 10. The scope of this...

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Transcript of May our children flourish - Thomas the Apostle€¦ · Scope and application 10. The scope of this...