SafeguardingOur CommitmentAs the Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle I expect us all to be attentive to the safety, welfare and wellbeing of every child and vulnerable person in everything we do in the name of the Church. Each one of us is responsible to ensure we are aware of the signs of abuse, that we know how to respond to a disclosure of abuse and we know how to report our concerns. Most importantly, I require every worker in the Diocese to be prepared, should the situation ever arise, to call out the unsafe or abusive behaviour of colleagues and workmates. The conduct we walk past is the conduct we have condoned. — Most Rev Bishop Michael KennedyOffice of Safeguarding |
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The Diocese is committed to: |
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| Pope Francis has called all of us in the Catholic Church "to assume responsibility for preventing cases of abuse and to work for justice and for healing". I now amplify and specify the Pope’s message. The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle takes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse. Every one of us must each day commit ourselves individually and collectively to safeguard each child and every vulnerable person to whom we minister and interact with. — Most Rev Bishop Michael Kennedy |
What happens when I make a disclosure?When you disclose something that is happening to you or about to happen to you, it is important to understand that this report will be taken seriously and that depending on the information you have provided other agencies or people might need to be notified. This includes:
It’s important to understand that at all times your safety and wellbeing is what is most important! All steps taken are there to prevent you from being further impacted by something that has been happening or is about to happen. You have the right to feel safe! | SPACING ONLY. CLEAR FORMATTING TO MAKE TEXT. Who can I call when I need help?
SPACING ONLY. CLEAR FORMATTING TO MAKE TEXT. Websites that offer information and assistance:
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