The safety of children and young people is paramount. All concerns, allegations or complaints of child abuse will be taken seriously, and acted upon consistent with the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne’s moral, ethical and legal obligations to safeguard children and young people.
It is a requirement of this policy that all clergy, employees and volunteers, make a report if they have formed a reasonable belief that a child or young person has experienced abuse, is experiencing abuse or is at risk of harm in the course of their ministry or work. Not reporting child abuse or misconduct that places children and young people at risk of harm is a breach of the Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy.
Making a child abuse report involves notifying statutory authorities and the Professional Standards Unit (PSU) of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne in a timely manner (as soon as practicable after forming a reasonable belief, unless the child or young person is in imminent danger).
Reporting to the PSU ensures that parishes, agencies and entities across the Archdiocese report and respond appropriately to concerns, allegations of complaints in relation to safety of children and young people.
Immediate danger
If a child or young person is in imminent danger, a report to Victoria Police must be made immediately (phone ‘000’).
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In Victoria, alleged child abuse perpetrated by:
§ clergy, employees and volunteers is reported to the Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT) within Victoria Police
§ a family member is reported to Child Protection - Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
§ a child or young person is reported to Child Protection (DHHS) and/or the SOCIT (Victoria Police) (e.g. sexually harmful behaviour, aggression, violence, online exploitation).
VICTORIA POLICE
Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT): www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=36448
CHILD PROTECTION (DHHS)
North and West (Metro) region: 1300 664 9777
South region: 1300 655 795
East region: 1300 360 391
West (Rural) region: 1800 075 599
After-hours and weekends: 13 12 78
PSU’s role in relation to reports of alleged child-related misconduct and/or child abuse
The Professional Standards Unit (PSU) is responsible for coordinating child-safety related misconduct and child abuse reports in relation to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people and liaising with statutory authorities.
The PSU will be guided by the recommendations of Victoria Police and/or Child Protection in relation to any action that may be required to promote the safety of those involved and the integrity of the investigation process.
CAM has a legal responsibility under the Reportable Conduct Scheme to notify current and historical incidents of suspected child abuse or misconduct of clergy, employees and volunteers to the Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP).