FOLLOWING the release of the final report by the Royal Commission into Child Sexual Abuse, the Victorian Government has reviewed the legislation and introduced a Minimum Set of Standards and requirements that all organisations must adhere to, as well as implement policies and procedures that ensures that they are compliant with managing the safety of all children and vulnerable adults.
Consequently, the Archdiocese of Melbourne has reviewed its policy and procedures and has enhanced its requirements.
Major change affecting parishes are:
- all parish volunteers are required to have a valid Working With Children Check (including all Ministries and groups which are active in a Parish) and in some cases a valid Police Check may also be required.
- all volunteers are required to attend parish based training in Child Safety awareness.
The Parish Office will contact all volunteers over the next few weeks with details on how they can apply for a Volunteer Working With Children check. Volunteer checks are free, and applications can only be submitted online.
Parish staff will be available to assist with applications for those parishioners who do not have a computer or require assistance. Details will be advised soon.
Training will be provided at St Bridget’s later in the year, when all WWC are completed.
These requirements are designed to protect volunteers as well as children and vulnerable adults within our parish community from any potential accusations and harm.
Volunteers are an integral part of our parish community, valued for their generous contribution to the ongoing life of the parish.
Countless activities within the parish would not be possible without dedicated volunteers. Please do not look at these requirements as burden of un-trust, but rather support for our parish commitment and values to ensure safety for all children and vulnerable adults and volunteers.
If you would like more information you are welcome to contact the Parish Office during office hours or the Parish Child Safety Coordinator.