The Office of Safeguarding

The Office of Safeguarding has been established with significant resources and a powerful mandate to support Catholic communities in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle in safeguarding all children and vulnerable adults involved in the life and ministry of our diocese. You can access a range of information and safeguarding material on the Office of Safeguarding website

Convention on the Rights of the Child

As with all peoples, children have human rights across the full spectrum of civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights. Because children are recognised as having particular inherent needs and dependencies, they also have particular rights. The Holy See ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child in November 1990, along with most of the other nations of the world, including the Commonwealth of Australia. The parish of St Michael's Nelson Bay supports the particular rights and protections afforded children under the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Catholic parish of St Michael's Nelson Bay is committed to the safety and welfare of children. We are committed to create a safe environment for the children in our parish. We endorse the safeguarding commitment statement of the the diocese and adopt it. Click this link to read the Safeguarding Commitment Statement

Other sites on Convention on the Rights of the Child

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights,   UNICEF 30th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child

Children’s Resources

Child protection padlet for Kindergarten to Year 2

Child protection padlet for Year 3 to Year 6

Cyber safety for primary school students

Child protection padlet for high school students

Cyber safety padlet for high school students

Give us your feedback

You can find the Office of Safeguarding feedback form HERE

Reporting abuse

If you believe the safety, welfare or wellbeing of a child or vulnerable adult is being compromised or is at risk of being compromised, it is important you report your concerns.  Click HERE for further information.

Making a complaint

You can find information from the Office of Safeguarding regarding making a complaint HERE

Investigations

Information for parents and children

Information for vulnerable adults and their carers

Information for Diocesan workers subject to investigation

Obligations for diocesan workers to support an investigation

Investigative processes conducted by the Diocese

Support

Healing and Support Services for those abused in the Diocese

Support for those abused in a Marist Institution

Support for those abused in the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle

Support for those who suffered abuse in the community or other institutions

St Michael's Parish Nelson Bay - Safeguarding Committee:

Fr Anthony Nguyen - Committee Member

Dr Barbara Myors - Safeguarding Promoter and Committee Member

Dianne Maricic - Safeguarding Promoter and Committee Member

Helen Bourne - Committee Member