Statement of Principles

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Within the Diocese of Wagga Wagga the procedures to be followed in handling complaints relating to child protection are based on the following principles:

• All children and young people have the right to safety and to be protected from any kind of harm
• Persons involved in situations considered to be inappropriate or where reportable conduct is disclosed or suspected should be treated with sensitivity, dignity and respect
• In any preventive and/or protective action related to child abuse, the overall well-being of the child is the primary concern
• The value of the family unit is respected but not to the detriment of the well-being of the child
• ​The Parish Priest or agency leader should be informed promptly of suspected or disclosed incidents of harm to children and young people as well as serious matters concerning their welfare. This obligation is shared by all employees and volunteers involved in ministry
• ​Information regarding suspected or disclosed child abuse shall be made available only to those personnel who have a genuine need to be informed. Personnel who have access to such information have the obligation to observe appropriate confidentiality in relation to this information