May our children flourish€¦ · Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Code of Conduct for Caring for Children 5 Children’s Code of Conduct 15. Relevant parts of this Code of Conduct

CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF MELBOURNE

May our children flourish

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CARING FOR CHILDREN

Catholic Archdiocese of MelbourneCode of Conduct for Caring for Children

Table of Contents and Definitions

1

Contents

Definitions 2

Abbreviations 2

IntRoDUCtIon 3

Scopeandapplication 4

Children’sCodeofConduct 5

WorkingwithChildrenChecks 5

NationalPoliceChecksPolicy 5

Developingawarenessofinappropriatebehaviour 6

ReviewofthisCodeofConduct 6

Compliance 6

Publication 6

CoDe oF ConDUCt 7

Creatingapositiveenvironment 8

Providingasafeenvironment–mattersforconsideration 8

Appropriatebehaviourforadults 12

Promotingappropriatebehaviourbychildren 13

DeALInG WItH BReACHes AnD MAtteRs oF ConCeRn 14

Whatshouldyoureport? 14

Whomaymakeareport? 15

Howcanareportbemade? 15

Toreportsexualandotherabuse 15

Toreportallothermatters 16

Whathappenswhenareportismade? 17

Dealingwithdisclosuresbychildrenorareasonablebeliefthatabuseisormaybeoccurring inasettingtowhichthisprotocolapplies 17

Flowchart–ReportingbreachesofthisCodeofConduct 18

ResoURCes AnD FURtHeR InFoRMAtIon 19

Attachment:Children’sCodeofConduct 20

Catholic Archdiocese of MelbourneCode of Conduct for Caring for ChildrenTable of Contents and Definitions

2

Definitions

ThefollowingdefinitionsapplytothisCodeofConduct:

Child:apersonwhoisundertheageof18years.ThroughoutthisCodeofConduct,anyreferencetoeither‘child’or‘children’isareferencetoapersonorpersonsundertheageof18.

Parent/guardian:hasitsordinarymeaning–thatis,apersonwhohastheauthorityandresponsibilityfortheday-to-daycareofachild.

Parish or diocesan activities involving children:includesanyactivityinvolvingchildrenthatisconductedororganisedby,orundertheauspicesof,aparishoragency(whichincludesdiocesanagenciesandauspicedbodies)oftheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourne,andanyactivityconductedbyotherpersonsorgroupsusingparishordiocesannameorproperty.Someexamplesofsuchactivitiesaregivenatparagraph11ofthisCodeofConduct.

Abbreviations

CAM CatholicArchdioceseofMelbourne

CeoM CatholicEducationOfficeMelbourne

CYF Act Children, Youth and Families Act 2005

DHs DepartmentofHumanServices(Victoria)

WWC Act Working with Children Act 2005

WWC Check WorkingwithChildrenCheck

WWC Protocol CatholicArchdioceseofMelbourneWorkingwithChildrenProtocol

HR Office HumanResourcesOfficeoftheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourne

HR Manager HumanResourcesManageroftheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourne


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IntRoDUCtIon

1. TheChurch’ssocialdoctrineconstantlypointsouttheneedtorespectthedignityofchildren.‘Inthefamily,whichisacommunityofpersons,specialattentionmustbedevotedtothechildrenbydevelopingaprofoundesteemfortheirpersonaldignity,andagreatrespectandgenerousconcernfortheirrights.Thisistrueofeverychild,butitbecomesallthemoreurgentthesmallerthechildisandthemorethechildisinneedofeverything,whenthechildissick,sufferingorhandicapped.’1IndeeditwasJesuswho,whenhisdiscipleswerearguingamongthemselvesaboutwhowasthegreatest,directedhisattentiontoalittlechildandsaidtohisdisciples,‘Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me’ (Mark9.37).

2. TheCatholicChurchvalueschildrenasanimportantpartofitslife.Italsovaluesandrespectsparentsasthefirstteachersofthefaithtotheirownchildrenandprotectorsoftheirchildren.

3. TheChurchengagesthecommunityinabroadrangeofactivitiesandstrivestomaketheseapositiveandrewardingexperience.WherechildrentakepartinChurchactivitiesitisofparamountimportancethatadultsplanningandguidingthoseactivitiesshouldcreateapositiveenvironmentthatiscaring,harmonious,safeandfreefromharm.InallChurchactivitiesahighstandardofbehaviourisrequired,andthisCodeofConductisintendedtocommunicatethestandardsexpectedofthoseentrustedwiththecareofchildren,orlikelytocomeintodirectcontactwithchildren,withintheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourne.

4. TheprinciplesofthisCodeofConductcancontributetobuildingastrongerChurchwherethosewhoworkwithinitmay,throughtheiractions,fosterrespectandresponsibilityandcreatearesilientsenseofChurchcommunity.

5. Churchactivitiestakemanyforms,includingthoseorganisedby,orfallingundertheauspicesof,aparishoragencyoftheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourne.Someactivitiesaremoreformalthanothers.Mostareonlypossiblethroughthetirelesseffortsofpriests,religiousbrothersandsisters,parishioners,othervolunteers,andparishanddiocesanemployees.

6. ThisCodeofConductisforallthosewhoworkorvolunteertoworkwithchildrenwithinanagencyorparishoftheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourne.Itisdesignedto:

a. PromotethewellbeingofchildreninvolvedinChurchactivities;

b. Assistpeoplewhoarrangeandparticipateinchildren’sactivities(andthosewhoengagethem),toplanandcarryouttheirworkwithconfidence;and

c. Provideaframeworkforparentsandguardiansbywhichtheymayhaveconfidenceintheconductoftheirchildren’sactivities.

7. ThisCodeofConductisintendedtobebroadinscopebutitcannothopetoexplicitlytreattheendlessvarietyofactivities,settingsandsituationsthatmightoccurinparishesandagenciesacrosstheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourne.Aprudentapproachisrequiredtoapplyittoparticularcircumstancesand,giventhebroadvarietyofactivitiesandpeopleintheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourne,whatisappropriateinonesetofcircumstancesmaynotbeappropriateinothers.ParishesmayneedtosupplementthisCodeofConducttoencompasstheirspecificcircumstances.IfyouareinanydoubtabouthowtoapplythisCodeofConductinyourparticularsituation,pleasecontacttheOfficeofProfessionalConduct,EthicsandInvestigationon 0392670221orafterhourson0417774504.

8. ThisCodeofConductisnotintendedtocoverthoseactivitieswherethechildisunderthedirectcareandsupervisionofaparentorguardian,forexample,whenchildrenareattendingasocialgatheringafterMasswithaparentorguardian.

1 ApostolicExhortation,Familiaris Consortio, 26


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9. Itisexpectedthatallpersonswhoparticipatein(orcouldreasonablybeexpectedtoparticipatein)parishordiocesanactivitiesinvolvingchildrenwillreadthisCodeofConduct,seekfurtherinformationregardinganythingthatisnotunderstood,andcomplywithit.

scope and application

10. ThescopeofthisCodeofConductisintentionallybroad.ItappliesthroughouttheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbournetoallpersonswhohave,ormaybeexpectedtohave,contactwithchildreninthecourseofanyparishordiocesanactivities.Thismayincludeparishioners,parents,volunteers,visitors,employees,contractors,religiousbrothersandsisters,andclergy.ItdoesnotapplytoCEOMoranyCatholicsystemicschooltowhichthepoliciesoftheCEOMapply.CatholicCarewhilesubjecttothispolicyisinadditionsubjecttoitsownrangeofpoliciesinaccordancewithrequirementsformandatoryreportingofabuseandregistrationattheCommonwealthandStateGovernmentlevelsasanaccreditedCommunityServiceOrganisation.ThesepoliciesareavailablefromCatholicCareonrequest.

11. Parishordiocesanactivitiesthatinvolvecontactwithchildrenmayincludethefollowing.Thislistandtheseexamplesarenotintendedtobeexhaustive.

a. Activitiesorganisedorconductedatparishlevel,betheyonchurchlandorfacilitiesorelsewhere,includingassociatedcommunicationsoveranduseoftheinternetandtelephone.Thesemayincludechildren’sliturgies,youthgroupmeetings,preparationsforsacraments,andaltarservice.

b. Activitiesorganisedorconductedatadiocesanlevel,betheyonchurchlandorfacilities,orelsewhere,includingassociatedcommunicationsoveranduseoftheinternetandtelephones.Thesemayincluderetreats,youthgroupmeetingsandpilgrimages.

c. Activitiesconductedbyothergroupsusingparishordiocesanfacilitiesorland,orusingaparishordiocesanname.Thesemayincluderecreationalorsportingactivitiesbygroupsthatuseaparishnameorfacilities.

12. ThisCodeofConductappliesinadditiontoexistingpoliciesoftheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourne,includingthefollowingpolicies:

WorkingwithChildrenProtocol

FormoreinformationontheWWCProtocol,pleaseseeparagraphs16-20.

NationalPoliceRecordCheckPolicy

FormoreinformationonNationalPoliceRecordCheckPolicy,pleaseseeparagraphs21-22.

Acopyofthesepoliciesmaybefoundatwww.cam.org.au/policies.

13. ThisCodeofConductisintendedtocomplementtheprinciplesandstandardsthatapplytoclergyandreligiousbrothersandsisterssuchasthosesetoutinIntegrity in Ministry: A Document of Principles and Standards for Catholic Clergy & Religious in Australia andCodesofConductwhichmayapplytoemployees,contractorsorvolunteers.2

14. Thereportingprotocolssetoutatpage14ofthisCodeofConductareinadditiontoanymandatoryreportingrequirementsimposedundertheCYFAct.3

2 Acopyofwhichmaybefoundathttp://www.catholic.org.au/index.php?option=com_docman&Itemid=180&limitstart=53 ForfurtherinformationregardingthemandatoryreportingrequirementsundertheCYFAct,pleaseseeProtecting the Safety and Wellbeing of Children and Young

People,availableathttp://www.cyf.vic.gov.au/child-protection-family-services/library/child-protection-publications/protecting-the-safety-and-wellbeing-of-children-and-young-people,orcontacttheOfficeforCaringforChildren


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Children’s Code of Conduct

15. RelevantpartsofthisCodeofConductalsoapply(withanynecessarymodifications)tochildrenwhoareinvolvedinparishordiocesanactivities.Parishpriests,agencyheadsandthoseleadingactivitiesshouldmakechildrenawareofthestandardsintheChildren’sCodeofConduct,andshoulddisplayacopyoftheChildren’sCodeofConduct atprominentplaceswithinparishesanddiocesanagenciesand,ifpractical,invenueswherechildren’sactivitiesareconducted.AcopyoftheChildren’sCodeofConductmaybefoundattheAttachmenttothisCodeofConduct.

Working with Children Checks

16. ManypeoplewhoworkorvolunteerinChurchactivitiesthatinvolvechildrenarerequiredtoholdaWWCCheckundertheWWCAct orundertheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourne’sWWCProtocol4.Ifyouareparticipatinginorplanningchildren’sactivities,orifyouareresponsibleforotherswhoare,youshouldreviewtheWWCProtocolandensurethatyoucomplywiththerequirementsoftheWWCActandtheWWCProtocol.

17. ItisanoffenceundertheWWCActtoengagein‘childrelatedwork’(asdefinedintheWWCAct)withoutaWWCCheck.Responsibilityrestswithboththeindividualandthosewhoengagehimorher.

18. ItisthepolicyoftheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbournethatalladultsworkinginaparishsettingholdaWWCCheckwithverylimitedexceptions.Thisisintendedtocoveremployees,contractorsandvolunteers,andincludesclergy,seminarians,andreligiousbrothersandsisters.AdultswhoarestayingovernightwithchildrenshouldalwaysberequiredtoproduceaWWCCheck.TheWWCProtocolprovidesfurtherdetails.

19. AlwaysrememberthatthemerefactofholdingacurrentWWCCheckdoesnotofitselfimplythatapersonissuitabletocareforchildren.HoldingaWWCChecksimplyindicates(ingeneralterms)thattheholderhasneitherbeenconvictedofcertainsexual,violentordrugrelatedoffences,norhaschargesforsuchoffencespending.5Itdoesnotguaranteeorimplythatapersonhastheskillsorpersonalattributesofaresponsiblecarer.Clergy,parishstaff,volunteersandparentsmustmaintainconstantvigilanceinassessingthesuitabilityofallpersons(boththosewith,andthosewithout,aWWCCheck)fortakingchildrenintotheircare.Clergy,parishstaff,volunteersandparentsshouldnotdiscountthevalueoftheirinstinctsorobservations.

20. FormoreinformationregardingWWCChecks,pleaseringtheHROfficeon0399265677.

national Police Checks Policy

21. Attheparishlevel,aNationalPoliceRecordsCheckiscompulsoryforevery:

a. Seminarianandpriest,includingamemberofaReligiousOrderoninitialandeverysubsequentappointment;

b. Priestfromanotherdioceseundertakingreligiousdutiesforaperiodinexcessofthreemonthsorwheretheanticipatedperiodislikelytobeinexcessofthreemonths;and

c. Employee,contractorvolunteerandreligiousworkinginaparishsettingwhooccupiesapositionofleadershiporhandlesassets.Thiswouldincludeadultswhoarestayingovernightwithchildren.

22. TheNationalPoliceCheckPolicyprovidesdetails.

4 AcopyoftheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourne’sWWCProtocolmaybefoundathttp://www.cam.org.au/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=92&Itemid=182

5 Or,ifthepersonhasbeenconvictedofsomespecifiedoffencesorhaschargespending,thatithasbeendeterminedthatthisfactnotposeanunjustifiablerisktothesafetyofchildren.


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Developing awareness of inappropriate behaviour

23. Whilethewelfareofchildrenisafundamentalpriorityforthevastmajorityofourcommunity,itisincumbentonalladultstobevigilantaboutkeepingchildrensafefromharm.Anopenandawareculturewhereadultsandchildrenalikefeelabletoraisetheirconcerns,andcanseethatthoseconcernsareactedupon,isthebestprotectionforchildren.Likewise,anenvironmentinwhichparentsandguardiansareencouragedtobeinvolvedintheirchildren’sactivitiesaffordsalevelofopennessandaccountabilitythatmakesharmfulconductlesslikely.

24. Allthosewhodealwithchildrenshouldfamiliarisethemselveswiththetypesofbehaviourwhichmaybewarningsignalsofharmfulconduct.Parentsandguardiansinparticularhaveastrongprotectiveinstinctandshouldalwayspayheedtobehaviourthatoffendsthatinstinct.

25. Systematicinappropriatebehaviourcanbeobservedandrecognised.Itmaybeaprecursortoabuseandmayinclude:

a. Isolatinganindividual,givinghimorherundueattentionorprizedgifts;

b. Askingachildtokeepsharedsecrets;

c. Allowingachildtoparticipateinactivitiesthatareprohibitedsuchasdrinkingalcoholorusingillicitdrugs,andotheractivitieswhichcouldreasonablybeassumedtobeprohibitedbythechild’sparents/guardian;

d. Excessivetouching;

e. Ageinappropriateoremotionallyinappropriaterelationships.

26. Systematicbehaviourofthistypemaybedesignedtomakeachildfeelspecialandtocreateopportunitiesforabuse,oftenwhilegainingthetrustofthechildorchildren’sfamily.Itmayalsocreateanatmosphereofsecrecywhereachildwillfeelunableorunwillingtotellanyoneabouttheabuse.

27. Ifapersonwhoworksorvolunteerstoworkwithchildreninaparishoragencysettingwitnessessuchbehaviour(whetherinthecontextofactivitieswithinaparishordiocese,orelsewhere),thatpersonshouldactandreportittotheappropriateauthorities.Reportingproceduresforinappropriatebehaviourthatoccursinaparishordiocesansettingmaybefoundatpage14ofthisCodeofConduct.

Review of this Code of Conduct

28. ThisCodeofConductisintendedtobealiving,workingdocument.TheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbournewillreviewthisdocumentregularlyandwelcomesanycommentsorsuggestionsforimprovement.ThesemaybeforwardedtotheHROfficeathuman.resources@cam.org.au.

Compliance

29. TheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbournewillconductacomplianceauditonaregularbasis.

Publication

30. AcurrentversionofthisCodeofConductandanA4-sizedsummarymaybefoundat www.cam.org.au/caringforchildren.


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CoDe oF ConDUCt

31. Thissectionsetsoutgeneralguidanceforadultswhoorganiseorconductchildren’sactivitiesorwhoareinvolvedwithchildrenintheirworkinaparishorintheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourne.ItisalsointendedtocommunicatetoparentsandguardianstheArchdiocese’sstandardsforchildren’sactivities.

32. ThissectionoftheCodeofConductisdividedintofourkeyparts:

Creatingapositiveenvironment Providingasafeenvironment Appropriatebehaviourforadults Promotingappropriatebehaviourbychildren

33. TheprinciplessetoutinthisCodeofConductareintendedtosupportandunderpinthepastoralcareroleofparishpriests,religiousbrothersandsisters,pastoralassociates,pastoralworkers,contractorsandtheinvaluablecontributionofparishionersandothervolunteers.Theprinciplesaimtoaddressperceptionsofriskininteractionsbetweenchildrenandadultsandtoprovideguidanceastobehavioursandpracticesthatarebeyondreproach.Theyarenotintendedtounnecessarilyrestricttheworkofclergy,religiousandlaypeoplebuttopromoteanopenandaccountableenvironmentinwhichthedignityandsafetyofadultsandchildrenalikeisparamount.

34. Itisunderstoodthatinexceptionalcircumstances,suchasanemergencysituation,adeparturefromtheprinciplessetoutinthisCodeofConductmaybenecessaryorunavoidable.Wherethisisthecase,anydepartureshouldbetakeninsuchawayastoensuresafetyandaccountabilitytothemaximumextentpossible.ThismightincludereportingaproposeddeparturefromthisCodeofConductinadvancetoyourparishpriestoranotherappropriatepersonor,wherethisisnotpossible,reportingthedepartureimmediatelyafterward.Ifyouarenotsurewhotoreportsomethingto,pleaseseethereportingproceduresfrompage14ofthisCodeofConduct.Ifitisappropriatetomakearecordofanyincidentorcircumstance,youshouldusetheConfidentialIncidentRecordingFormwhichcanbelocatedatwww.cam.org.au/caringforchildren.

35. Inmanycases,appropriatepreparationandplanningforyouractivitywillenableyoutoactinaccordwiththisCodeofConductandassistyoutomanageanyunexpectedcircumstancesshouldtheyarise.Dependingonthenatureofyouractivity,goodpreparationmayinclude:

a. Ensuringyouhavecontactdetailsforparents/guardiansandemergencycontactsifaparent/guardiancannotbecontacted;

b. Ensuringthatmedicalformshavebeenreturnedandcontingencyplansmadeforanychildrenwithaconditionthatmayputthematrisk.

36. ItisacknowledgedthatnotallsituationsorissueswhichmightariseinallthevarietyofparishanddiocesanlifecanbeexplicitlycoveredbythisCodeofConduct.ItmaybenecessarytoadaptandapplytheprinciplessetoutinthisCodeofConducttoyourparticularcircumstances.Ifyourequireanyassistanceinpreparingforandplanningyouractivity,orinadheringtothisCodeofConduct,pleasecontacttheOfficeofProfessionalConduct,EthicsandInvestigationon0392670221orafterhourson0417774504.


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Creating a positive environment

37. Theprotectionandpromotionofchildren’swellbeingistheresponsibilityofalladults.Adultswhoareinvolvedinchildren’sactivitieswithintheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourneoraparishoftheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourneareresponsibleforcreatingaharmoniousandnurturingenvironment.

38. Beapositiverolemodel.Children’sencounterswithadultsintheChurchmayhavelastingconsequences.Itisimportantforchildren’sformationthatsuchencounterscreateapositiveexperienceoftheChurch.AdultconductthatpositivelyembracesGospelbeliefsandvaluesisofparamountimportance.

39. Treatchildrenwithdignityandrespect;listentoandvaluetheirideasandopinions.

40. Wherepossibleandappropriate,involvechildrenindecisionmaking.

41. Rewardeffortsaswellasachievements,andprovidepraiseandpositiveencouragementwhereappropriate.

42. Respectchildren’sprivacy–forexampleavoiddiscussingachild’spersonalproblemsorsituationsinagroupsettingunlessthechildhasconsentedtoandfeelscomfortablewiththis.

Providing a safe environment – matters for consideration

Code of Conduct

43. DisplaytheA4summaryCodeofConductforCaringforChildrenwhichcanbelocatedat www.cam.org.au/caringforchildreninaprominentplaceattheparishoratyouragencyand,ifappropriate,inthevenuewhereactivitiesareheld.Asappropriate,ensurethatadultswhohavecontactwithchildrenwithinyourparishoragencyarefamiliarwithandunderstandthisCodeofConduct.

Planning

44. Whenplanninganactivity,considerthepossiblerisksassociatedwiththeactivityandhowlikelythoserisksaretoeventuate.Considerwhatactionsyoucantakeorhowyoucanstructuretheactivitytominimisethoserisksand,ifasituationshouldarise,tomanageiteffectively.Considereachcircumstanceonitsmerits.

Supervision

45. Ensurethatchildreninyourcareareappropriatelysupervisedatalltimes.

Adult/children ratio

46. Wherepossible,planallactivitiesonthebasisthatmorethanoneadultwillbepresentatalltimes.Considerhowmanyadultswillberequiredtoproperlycareforthechildrenattheactivity,takingintoaccountthechildren’sages,thenatureandlocationoftheactivity,andanychildrenwithspecialrequirements.

Physical Environment

47. Ensurethatthephysicalenvironmentissafe,takingintoaccounttheageanddevelopmentallevelofchildreninvolvedinyouractivities.Forinstance,canyoungerchildrensafelybecontainedinanarea?Arethereanyobvioushazardssuchassharpedges,poisonousorhazardoussubstances,waterhazardsorsimilar?Takestepstomanageanyrisksyouidentify.


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48. Wherechildrenareinvolvedwithadultsinaregularactivity,physicalstructuresshouldbereviewedandwherenecessarychanged.Otherthaninexceptionalcircumstancesthatwarrantspecialconsideration,dressingareasforchildrenshouldbegenderspecificandsegregatedfromadultareas.

Emergency procedures

49. Beawareofemergencyexitsandemergencyproceduresinyourparishoragencyandinyourimmediatephysicalenvironment.

50. Ensurethatatelephonewillbeavailableatalltimes.Ifyouareusingamobile,checkthatitisproperlychargedandassesswhetheryouarelikelytobeinrangeforemergencycallstotriplezero(000).Ifusinganout-of-rangemobile,dial112foremergencyaccessthroughanothermobilephonenetwork(ifoneisavailable).

51. AFirstAidKitshouldbeaccessibleinanyagencyorparishenvironmentutilisedbychildren.FamiliariseyourselfwiththelocationofFirstAidKitsandconsiderwhoistrainedinFirstAidandavailabletorespondinanemergency.

Parental consent

52. Ensurethatyouobtainappropriateconsentfromaparent/guardianforanyactivitiesforwhichchildren arereleasedintoyourcare.Whatconstitutesappropriateconsentwillvarywiththenatureoftheactivity; forinstance,foraninformalactivitywhereaparent/guardianhandsthechildintoyourcareandremains onthesamepremises(suchasachildren’sliturgywhichoccursatthesametimeasaparentorguardian isatMassinaChurchinthesamelocation),theconsentforthechildtoparticipatewhileinyourcare wouldusuallybeimplicit.Howeverforaformalactivitywherechildrenaretakentoalocationawayfrom parents/guardiansandwhichisoflongerduration(suchasacamporovernightretreat),itisnecessarytoobtainformal,writtenconsentforthechildtoparticipate.Asamplewrittenconsentformmaybefoundatwww.cam.org.au/caringforchildren. Ifyourequireanyguidanceonobtainingconsent,pleasecontact theOfficeofProfessionalConduct,EthicsandInvestigationon0392670221orafterhourson0417774504.

Emergency contacts

53. Ifachild’sparent/guardianwillnotbepresentornearbyduringyouractivities,ensureyouhavedetailsofeachparent’s/guardian’sname,addressandcontactphonenumbers.Inaddition,itisgoodpracticetoobtainatleastoneemergencycontactnumberotherthanthatofaparent/guardian.Keepthesedetailsaccessiblethroughouttheactivity.AsampleEmergencyContactsformmaybefoundatwww.cam.org.au/caringforchildren.

Alcohol and drugs

54. Theprovisionoftobacco,alcoholorillicitdrugstoachildisunacceptableanduseofthesesubstancesbyachildinthecontextofaChurchactivitycannotbecondoned,norcanthemisuseofothermedication.

55. Nopersonwhoiscaringforchildrenorinvolvedinanyactivitywithchildrenshouldconsumeorbeundertheinfluenceofalcoholorillicitdrugsorhavemisusedothermedication.Itisnotappropriatetosmoketobaccowhileinthepresenceofchildren.

56. Beawarethatsomeprescriptionmedicationmayadverselyaffectyourcapacitytoeffectivelysupervisechildrenandkeepthemsafe.

57. Medicationshouldnotbegiventochildrenwithoutwritteninstructionsfromaparentorguardian,unlessthisisdonebyadoctororparamedicinanemergencysituation.


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Collection of children

58. Attheconclusionofactivities,releasechildrenonlyintothecareofaparent/guardianorthe personwiththeexpresspermissionoftheparentorguardian.Ifyouareusingthesampleformat www.cam.org.au/caringforchildrentoobtaincontactdetails,itshouldbeusedtoaskparents/guardians toindicatewhomay(andmaynot)collectthechild.

59. Forolderchildrenwhereaparent/guardianconsentstothechildleavingtheactivityunsupervised,ensurethatappropriatearrangementsareinplaceforthemtoreturnhome.Ifyouareinanydoubtabouttowhomyoumayreleasethechild,orwhetherhisorherarrangementsforleavingaresafeandappropriate,youshouldalwayscheckwiththechild’sparent/guardian.

60. Ifyouaretakingachildhomeattheendofanactivity,ensurethataparent/guardianhasgivenconsent(whetheroralorwritten)andthat,asageneralrule,youarenotalonewiththechild.

Medical conditions

61. Theparagraphsbelowconstitutegeneralguidelinesabouttheprocessyoushouldfollowifyouarecalledupontocareforachildwhoisatparticularriskduetoamedicalcondition.Thisprocesswillassistincreatinganenvironmentwheremedicalconditionsmaybeeffectivelyplannedforandmanaged.Theseparagraphsarenotintendedtoreplaceprofessionalormedicaladviceforspecificcircumstances,buttopromptthosecaringforachildwithamedicalconditiontoseekguidancefromthechild’sparents/guardiansandfromappropriateauthorities,andtoputinplaceanappropriateindividualmanagementplan.

62. Youshouldalwaysaskparents/guardiansatthecommencementofanyactivitywhethertheirchildhasanymedicalconditionofwhichyoushouldbeaware(forinstance,asthma,allergies,andanaphylaxis)and,ifso,whatparticularcareisrequired.Exceptincircumstanceswheretheparentorguardianisinattendance,suchasduringChildren’sLiturgy,askparents/guardianstocompleteaform.Keepcompletedformsaccessiblethroughouttheactivity.AsampleMedicalConditionsFormmaybefoundatwww.cam.org.au/caringforchildren.

63. Ifachildhasaconditionthatrequiresparticularcare,anappropriateindividualmanagementactionplanshouldbepreparedandimplemented.Youwillneedtoconsider:

a. Areyouabletoputinplacearrangementstominimiseorremovetherisktothatchild,suchasensuringthatsubstancesthatcancauseallergies(forexample,nutsandnutproducts)arenotat,orbrought,totheactivity?Speaktothechild’sparentsandseekmedicalguidanceaboutwhatarrangementsaresuitableforthecondition.

b. Areyou(oranotheradultwhowillbeavailablethroughouttheactivity)appropriatelyqualified,willingandcompetenttoproperlycareforthechild,andtodealwithanemergencysituationshoulditarise?Forinstance,ifyouarecaringforachildatriskofanaphylaxis,haveyouputinplaceanemergencyanaphylaxisactionplanandareyouoratleastoneotheradulttrainedintheadministrationofanEpipen(orsimilardevice)?

c. Ifnot,youwillneedtoconsiderhowtomakeappropriatearrangementsforthechild’scare.Youwillneedtodiscussthiswiththechild’sparents/guardiansandmayneedtoseekprofessionalguidance.

Practicalsolutionsmaybefound,forinstance:

(i) Ifyouarecaringforachildatriskofanaphylaxis,aparent/guardianmightagreetoremainwiththechildduringtheactivity.

(ii) Adoptano-sharing-of-foodpolicyandanut-freepolicyparticularlywheretherearechildrenatrisk.

(iii) Somecarerswhoregularlycareforchildrenatriskmightchoosetoundergoappropriatetraining.


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d. Whenyouhaveformulatedanindividualmanagementplan,itisagoodideatowriteitdownandkeepitaccessiblethroughoutyouractivity.Ensurethatthechild’sparentsaresatisfiedwiththeplanandthatallotheradultswhomaybecalledontosupervisethechildareawareoftheplan.

64. Ifyoucannotputappropriatearrangementsinplacetocareforthechildyouwillneedtospeaktothechild’sparent/guardianaboutwhetheritissafeforthechildtoparticipateintheactivity.Thisisnotintendedtoplaceunnecessaryrestrictionsonchildrenwithparticularconditionsbutrathertoensurethattheirsafetyisalwaystheparamountconcern.

65. Ifyouhaveanyquestionsaboutmakingappropriateandsafearrangementsforchildrenwithmedicalconditionsorallergies,pleasecontacttheOfficeofProfessionalConduct,EthicsandInvestigationon0392670221orafterhourson0417774504.Furtherinformationaboutsomeparticularconditionsmaybefoundat:www.allergy.org.auandwww.asthma.org.au.

Food hygiene

66. Ifyouractivitywillinvolveeatingorsharingfood,ensurethatappropriatefoodhygieneismaintained,including,forexample,keepingfoodrefrigeratedwherenecessaryandadultsandchildrenwashinghandsbeforehandlingfood.Ifanychildinyourgrouphasafoodallergyorintoleranceyouwillneedtoputinplacearrangements(asdiscussedinparagraph63)topreventthechildcomingintocontactwiththefood.

Sun protection

67. Considerwhethersunprotectionwillbenecessaryand,ifso,makeappropriatearrangements.Sunscreenandahatshouldbewornbyadultsandchildrenwhenexposedtothesunduringdaylightsavingsperiods(orintropicalenvironments,allyearround).

Use of the internet

68. Allparishordiocesaninternetservices(andparticularlythosewhichmaybeusedbychildrenoryoungpeople)shouldhaveappropriatefilteringdevicesinplace.Ifusingservicesprovidedbyotherorganisations,ensurethatfilteringdevicesareinplace.

69. Educatechildreninsafeandresponsibleinternetpractices.Thesameprinciplesthatapplytorelationshipsandconductgenerallyapplytoonlinesituations;forinstance,childrenshouldneverarrangetomeetsomeonetheyhavemetonlineinachatroomorsocialnetworkingsiteandmustnotaccesssitescontainingpornographicmaterial.Makeitclearthatbehaviourthatisunacceptableorunsafeofflineisalsounacceptableorunsafeonline.Formoreinformation,pleaseseewww.cybersmart.gov.au.

70. Aswithanyunlawfulbehaviour,anyillegalactivitiesconductedovertheinternetorthroughuseofacomputershouldbereportedtotheappropriateauthorityinaccordancewiththisCodeofConduct.


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Appropriate behaviour for adults

71. Itisbestpracticetoalwayshaveanotheradultwithyou(oratleastwithineyeshot)whenyouarewithachildorchildren,and/ortohaveotherchildrenpresent.Avoidbeingalonewithachildorchildrenunlessanopenandsupervisedenvironmentcanbemaintained.

72. Activities,whichbytheirverynaturegiverisetoone-on-onechild/adultencounters(suchastheSacramentofReconciliation),shouldbeconductedinamannerandspaceinclearviewofotherpeople.Thiscreatesanenvironmentthatsafeguardsboththechild’swellbeingandtheadult’sintegrity.

73. Donottouchachildinaninappropriateorunnecessaryfashion.Inparticular,donottouchbreasts,buttocksorgroin,andavoidtouchingorbehaviourwhichcouldbeconstruedassexual.

74. Anystepsyoutaketomanagedisruptiveorunsafebehaviourshouldnotdegradeorisolateachild.Corporalpunishmentisneveracceptable.

75. Ifachild’sbehaviouriscausingimmediatedangertothosearoundhimorher,youshouldaskforassistanceand,ifnecessary,contactpolice.Physicalrestraintshouldonlybeusedasalastresortorinanemergency.

76. Whencaringforchildrenoryoungpeopleyouareinapositionoftrustandauthority.Takecarenottoforminappropriaterelationshipswithachild;forinstance,byplacingyourselfinapositionwhereachildmaycometorelyonyouemotionally,orbyattemptingtoactasasurrogateparent.Itisalwaystheresponsibilityoftheadult,notthechild,tosetappropriateguidelinesandboundaries.

77. Favouritismtoanyparticularchild;forinstance,throughgiftsorcontinuallyshowinggreaterattentionthanisgiventoothers,istobeavoided.

78. Itisgenerallyinappropriatetospendtimealonewith,orarrangetomeet,achildorchildrenoutsideparishordiocesanactivities,ortocontactthemthroughsocialnetworkingsitesorthroughmobilephones(suchastexting).Donotacceptorofferfriendstatusonsocialnetworksitesfromachildforwhomyouhaveadutyofcare.

79. Avoidprovidingassistanceofapersonalnaturethatthechildcanmanageforhimorherself(suchasusingthetoiletorchangingclothes)exceptwherethechild’sdevelopmentallevelorincapacityissuchthatheorsherequiresassistance.Ensurethepresenceofanotheradultinsuchcircumstances.

80. Whereactivitiesinvolveovernightstays,anelevatedlevelofcareinchoosinggroupleadersisrequired.Adultswhoarestayingovernightwithchildrenneedtobepersonsworthyofthegreattrustplacedinthemand,asnotedinparagraphs16-22,shouldalwaysberequiredtoproduceacurrentPoliceCheckandaWWCCheck.

81. Thefollowingguidelinesshouldbefollowedforovernightsleepingarrangements,havingthoughtfulregardstotheactivity:

a. Dependingontheagesofthechildren,butalwaysinthecaseofteenagers,malesandfemalesshouldsleepinseparaterooms.

b. Ifsupervisingadultsaretosleepinthesameroomaschildren,morethanoneadultshouldalwaysbepresent.


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82. Alwaysobtainthepermissionofaparent/guardianbeforeusingachild’sname,imageorother recordinanyreport,websiteorotherpublication.Asampleformforthispurposemaybefoundat www.cam.org.au/caringforchildren.

83. Takecarenottoswearoruseoffensivelanguagewithinearshotofchildren.

84. Avoidbehavingorspeakinginamannerthatmayembarrassorhumiliate.

85. Ifyoubecomeawareofcircumstancesthatcauseyoutobelieveorsuspectthatachildisbeing,orisatriskofbeing,harmed,whetherphysically,emotionallyorpsychologically;issufferingfromseriousneglect;isbeingsexuallyabusedorexposedtoviolence,youshouldactinaccordancewiththisCodeofConduct.IfyouaredesignatedasamandatoryreporterundertheCYFActyoumaybelegallyrequiredtomakeareporttoDHS.6

Promoting appropriate behaviour by children

86. DisplaytheChildren’sCodeofConduct, whichmaybefoundattheAttachment, in your parish or agency andinvenueswherechildren’sactivitiesareheld.DiscusstheChildren’sCodeofConductwithchildrenandfamiliarisethemwithitscontents.Ensuretheyknowhowandtowhomtheycanreportanythingtheyareworriedabout.

87. Providechildrenwithguidanceaboutwhatconstitutesacceptablebehaviour.Thiswillvarywiththeagegroupanddevelopmentallevelofthechildreninyouractivity.Itmaybeusefultodiscussacceptableandunacceptablebehavioursappropriatefortheiragegroup.

88. Ifchildrenactoutsideacceptablelimits,useoraldirectionstomanagebehaviour.

89. Achild’sbehaviour(whetherverbal,physical,psychologicalorsexual)whichcouldbeconstruedasbullyingisnotacceptable.

90. Whereachild’sbehaviourisdisruptivetothegroupactivity,unsafe,orotherwisebreachestheChildren’sCodeofConduct,youwillneedtotakestepstomanagethebehaviour.Thestepsyoutakeshouldbeappropriatehavingregardtothecircumstances,behaviourandageofthechild.Appropriatestepsmayinclude:

a. Directingotherchildrenawayfromadangerousordisruptivesituation;

b. Discussingthebehaviourwiththechild,andaskinghimorhertostop;

c. Givingthechildanopportunitytoexplainhisorherbehaviour;

d. Discussingtheconsequencesofthebehaviourwiththechild;

e. Askingforassistancefromotheradults;

f. Removingthechildfromtheactivitytoanothersupervisedenvironment;

g. Ifthebehaviourcontinues,callingthechild’sparent/guardianandaskingthemtoremovethechildfromtheactivity.

6 ForfurtherinformationregardingthemandatoryreportingrequirementsundertheCYFAct,pleaseseeProtecting the Safety and Wellbeing of Children,availableathttp://www.cyf.vic.gov.au/child-protection-family-services/library/child-protection-publications/protecting-the-safety-and-wellbeing-of-children-and-young-people,orcontacttheOfficeofProfessionalConduct,EthicsandInvestigationon92670221orafterhourson0417774504.


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DeALInG WItH BReACHes AnD MAtteRs oF ConCeRn

91. TheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourneaimstodealwithallreportsunderthisCodeofConductfairlyandappropriately,andtoactonthefollowingprinciples:

a. PromotingapositiveexperienceoftheChurchandcreatingastrongcommunityoffaith;

b. Preventingmisconductwherethisispossible;

c. Ensuringfairprocessforpersonsagainstwhomallegationsaremade;and

d. Dealingeffectivelywithanyallegationswhicharesubstantiated,includingrespondingcompassionatelytoanyonewhohasbeenaffected.

92. Aflow chartsettingouthowandtowhomtomakereportsmaybefoundatpage18.

What should you report?

93. YoumaycomeacrosspossiblebreachesofthisCodeofConduct,ormattersthatcauseyouconcern,inanynumberofways.Thesemightinclude:

a. Adisclosuremadetoyoubyachild;

b. Observingeventsthatcauseyoutoformanobjectivelyreasonablebeliefthatachildisbeingharmedorabused,orisatriskofbeingharmedorabused(whetherbyafamilymemberorbyanotherperson);or

c. Beingpresentandwitnessinganeventorincident.

94. Alternatively,anincidentmayoccurduringanactivityyouareresponsiblefor,suchas:

a. Achildbeinglost;

b. Achildbeinginjured;or

c. Amedicalemergency.

95. Regardlessofthewayinwhichanissuearises,youshouldalwaysreportcircumstancesthatcauseyouconcernandyoushouldcertainlyalwaysreport:

a. AnymaterialbreachofthisCodeofConduct;

b. Anyincidentinwhichachildisharmedorgoesmissing;

c. Anyemergencysituationincludingamedicalemergency;

d. Anyhazardorriskofharmtoachildthatisnotbeingadequatelyaddressed;

e. Anyallegationofsexualmisconduct;*

f. Anydisclosurebyachild,oranobjectivelyreasonablebeliefyouhaveformed,thatachildisbeingabusedorisatriskofabuseofanykind;*

g. Anyallegationofviolenceinflictedbyanadultuponachild;*


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h. Anyallegationinwhichanadulthasbeenundertheinfluenceofdrugs(illicitormisusedmedication)oralcoholwhileresponsibleforchildren;

i. Anyincidentinwhichachildhasbeenharmedorinjured(eitherphysicallyorpsychologically)orisatriskofharmorinjury;*

j. Anyallegationofconductwhichisormightbeunlawful;*and

k. AnyconductwhichwouldormightgiverisetoamandatoryrequirementtoreportundertheCYFAct.7

96. Ifyouarenotsurewhethertoreportamatter,pleasecontacttheOfficeofProfessionalConduct,EthicsandInvestigationon0392670221orafterhourson0417774504.

Who may make a report?

97. Anypersonmaymakeareport.Ifanallegationinvolvessexualorotherabuseofachildyoushouldnotinvestigatethematteryourself,orraiseitwithparents/guardiansortheallegedabuserdirectly.Youshouldreportthematterusingtheproceduressetoutinparagraphs101-110.

How can a report be made?

98. IfyouwouldlikeanyguidanceabouthowtoreportabreachofthisCodeofConductoramatterofconcern,pleasecontacttheOfficeofProfessionalConduct,EthicsandInvestigationon0392670221orafterhourson0417774504.TheprocessforreportinganddealingwithanyconcernsorbreachesofthisCodeofConductwillvarydependingonthetypeofconductandwhoisresponsiblefortheconduct.

99. AConfidentialIncidentRecordingFormwww.cam.org.au/caringforchildrenmaybeusedtorecorddetailsofanyincidentormatterofconcern.

100. NothinginthisCodeofConductrestrictstherightofanypersontoreportanymattertothepoliceorotherauthorities.

to report sexual and other abuse

101. SexualandotherabusebyChurchpersonnelshouldbereportedtothe IndependentCommissioner,whoseofficehasbeenestablishedbytheArchbishopofMelbournetoenquireintoandadvisehimwithrespecttoallegationsofsexualmisconductbyanypriestoftheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourne,andreligiousandlaypersonsworkingandvolunteeringwithintheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourne.

102. TheRoleoftheIndependentCommissionerandtheproceduresthatwillbefolloweduponthereceiptbyhimofacomplaintcanbelocatedatwww.cam.org.au/caringforchildren.

103. NothinginthisCodeofConductisintendedinanywaytoaffecttheroleoftheIndependentCommissionerortheabilityofanypersontomakeorreferacomplainttotheIndependentCommissioner.

104. TheIndependentCommissionermaybecontactedat0392257979.

7 *AnymatterswhichinvolvesexualorotherabusebyChurchpersonnelfallwithinthepurviewoftheIndependentCommissionerandallsuchmattersshouldbereportedtohim.ForfurtherinformationregardingthemandatoryreportingrequirementsunderCYFAct,pleaseseeProtectingtheSafetyandWellbeingofChildren,availableathttp://www.cyf.vic.gov.au/child-protection-family-services/library/child-protection-publications/protecting-the-safety-and-wellbeing-of-children-and-young-people,orcontacttheOfficeofProfessionalConduct,EthicsandInvestigationon92670221orafterhourson0417774504.


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to report all other matters

105. AllmattersotherthanthosewithinthepurviewoftheIndependentCommissionershouldbereportedasfollows:

a. Any matter that arises within a parish shouldbereportedinthefirstinstancetoyourparishpriest(unlessthematterinvolvestheparishpriest,inwhichcaseitshouldbereportedinaccordancewithparagraph106.Theparishpriestwilllistentotheallegationsanddecidewhatactiontotakeinaccordancewiththeproceduresbelowatparagraph108.If,afterareasonabletimehaselapsed,youarenotsatisfiedwiththeparishpriest’sresponsetoyourreportyoumaythenreferthemattertotheVicar-GeneraloftheArchdioceseofMelbourne0399265677orvicargeneral@cam.org.au

b. Any matter, that arises within an agency of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne, shouldbereportedinthefirstinstancetotheheadoftheagency(unlessthematterinvolvestheagencyhead,inwhichcaseitshouldbereportedinaccordancewithparagraph106).Theagencyheadwilllistentotheallegationsanddecidewhatactiontotakeinaccordancewiththeproceduresbelowatparagraph108.If,afterareasonabletimehaselapsed,youarenotsatisfiedwiththeresponsetoyourreport,youmayreferthemattertotheHROfficeon0399265677orhuman.resources@cam.org.au.

106. Mattersrelatingtoparishpriests,agencyheads,oranyothermattersshouldbereportedasfollows:

a. Any report that relates to a parish priest shouldbereportedinthefirstinstancetothe [email protected]

b. Any report that relates to an agency head shouldbereportedtotheHROfficeon0399265677orhuman.resources@cam.org.au.

c. Any other mattermaybereportedtotheHROfficeon0399265677 [email protected].

Reportswillbedealtwithinaccordancewiththeproceduresatparagraph108.

107. Any medical emergency, a missing child, or any other emergency situation shouldbereportedinthefirstinstancetotheappropriateauthorities(suchaspolice,fireorambulancebydialling000).Assoonaspossiblethereafter,thechild’sparent/guardianshouldbenotifiedandareportshouldbemade(atthelatestwithin24hours)[email protected].


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What happens when a report is made?

108. Whenareportismadeinaccordancewithparagraph105,thepersonreceivingthereportshall:

a. Listencarefullytothereportandensureitisfullyunderstood;

b. ConsiderwhetheritisappropriateornecessarytoadviseotherswithintheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourneortoinformrelevantauthorities;

c. Determinewhatactionwillbetaken(ifany);

d. Documentallactiontaken;and

e. Maintaintheconfidentialityofallparties(includingthepersonmakingthereport,andanypersontowhomthereportrelates)atalltimestotheextentthisispossible.Insomecases,itmaybenecessarytoinformrelevantauthoritiesorotherswithintheCatholicArchdioceseofMelbourneorthepersontowhomthereportrelates.Dependingonthenatureoftheallegationitmaybenecessaryto:

(i) Informthepolice,ifthebehaviourisormightbecriminal;

(ii) ConsiderwhetheramandatoryreportmustbemadetotheDHSundertheCYFAct;

(iii)MakeorreferareporttotheIndependentCommissioner.

Dealing with disclosures by children or a reasonable belief that abuse is or may be occurring in a setting to which this protocol applies

109. If:

a. Achildmakesadisclosuretoyouthatsexual,physicalorpsychologicalabuseisoccurring,or

b. Youformanobjectivelyreasonablebeliefthatachildisbeingharmed,orisatriskofbeingharmed,

youshouldimmediatelyreportthemattertotheIndependentCommissionerwhowilldiscussyourconcernsandadviseyouonthenextstepstotake.

110. Beawarethatthechildmaybefeelingashamed,guiltyandscared,andmaybeworriedabouttheconsequencesoftellingsomeoneabouttheabuse.Staycalmandlistencarefullytothechild.Tellthemyoubelievethemandthattheydidtherightthingbytellingyou.Donotmakepromisesyoucannotkeepsuchaspromisingthatyouwillnottellanyoneelse.


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Flow chart – Reporting breaches of this Code of Conduct

Nothing in this document affects the right of any

person to report a matter to police or other authorities

DoesthematterinvolvesexualabuseorotherabusebyChurchpersonnelwhichfallswithinthepurviewoftheIndependent Commissioner?Referparagraphs101-104

No Yes

Reportmatterasfollows:

(a) Forparishmatters,reporttotheparish priest(unlessmatterrelatestoparishpriest,inwhichcaseseeparagraph(c)below)

(b) Foragencymatters,reporttoagency head(unlessmatterrelatestoagencyhead,inwhichcaseseeparagraph(c)below)

(c) For

• anymatterrelatingtoaparishpriest,reportto Vicar-General;

• anymatterrelatingtoanagencyhead,reportto HR OfficefortheArchdiocese;

• allothermatters,reporttoHR ManagerfortheArchdiocese.

(d) anyemergencies,reportto000,thenwithin24hourstoparent/guardianandtoHR OfficefortheArchdiocese

Referparagraphs105-107

YoushouldreportthemattertotheIndependent Commissioner.

Ifyourreportwastoaparishpriestoragencyhead,haveyoureceivedasatisfactoryresponse?

YesMatterfinalised

No

Youmayreferyourreport:

• totheVicar-General,ifyourinitialreportwastoaparishpriest;or

• totheHR OfficefortheArchdiocese,ifyourinitialreportwastoanagencyhead.

Referparagraph105


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ResoURCes AnD FURtHeR InFoRMAtIon

Reporting HR Office [email protected]

Vicar-General’s Office [email protected]

Office of the Independent Commissioner

MrPeterO’CallaghanQCOwenDixonChambersWest,RoomLevel18,Room15,205WilliamStreet,MelbourneTelephone:0392257979

Information and advice

Office of Professional Conduct, Ethics and Investigation

Telephone:0392670221orafterhourson0417774504

Documents produced by the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne

WWC Protocol www.cam.org.au/policies

National Police Record Check Policy

www.cam.org.au/policies

This Code of Conduct www.cam.org.au/caringforchildren

other publications Protecting the Safety and Wellbeing of Children and young People

www.cyf.vic.gov.au/child-protection-family-services/library/child-protection-publications


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Attachment: Children’s Code of Conduct

Children’s Code of Conduct

Iwill:

1. Treatallwithrespectandkindness

2. Listentowhatotherpeoplehavetosay

3. Notuserudeoroffensivelanguage

4. Nothurt,abuse,bully,teaseanyoneelseorforminappropriaterelationships

5. Nothaveorusetobacco,alcoholorbanneddrugs,ormisuseothermedication

6. Listentoallinstructionsgivenbyanadultleadingmyactivityandobeyanyrules

7. TellanadultwhoItrustaboutanythingthatmakesmefeelworried,afraidorunsafe

8. Makesurethatanadultleadingmyactivityknowsmywhereaboutsatalltimes

9. Treatotherpeople’spropertywithrespect

10. Alwaystrymybesttoparticipate

CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF MELBOURNE

CardinalKnoxCentre383AlbertStreet

EastMelbourne,VIC3002

Postal Address:P.O.Box146,EastMelbourne,VIC8002

tel: (03) 9926 5677